So I have just returned from an amazing holiday in Vegas (blog to come) and the jet-lag has just about settled, I read somewhere that for every hour of time difference it takes your body 1 week to readjust - so my trip could take me 8 weeks to recover from! It will def take my wallet a lot longer.
Anyway before I went on holiday I actually managed to visit 3 or 4 real gems within our city and over the course of this week I aim to share these with you.
First up is Benny's Bistro on Boucher Rd: A family run eatery filled with charm and sporting a funky cool look, Benny's was established in the 1950's by the 'Godfather of Pub Grub' Benny Coyle but the place has definitely evolved since then and so has the massive menu! BTW They're located upstairs between New Look and B&M!
(P.S the place was buzzing when I went down but my photo was blurry, dammit Carl, so I stole this from their website)
To the Food
So Laurie and I were on one a wee Boucher Rd shopping spree (to be honest I am going to have to have words with her because it's turning into an expensive hobby, she must have 361 nail varnishes) and as usual I was hungry, my day actually revolves around food; eating, thinking, making and writing about it, if I didn't love food I'd be super proactive.
Now in Boucher there are many food outlets, but they all have one thing in common - they are all commercial American diners, and sometimes I crave that but today I wanted something fresher, not as heavy and more importantly...local and that's where Benny's Bistro fits the bill - their menu offers home grown dishes like
- Homemade Stew - £4.25
- Benny's Famous Breakfast -£5.25 (the wee teapot is cute)
- Honey Roast Gammon £7.95
Also on offer are favourites including Carbonara, Curry, Panini's, Eggs Benedict and many many more, I've included a link for you all to check it out, please do!
http://www.bennysbistro.co.uk/bennys-menu.pdf
So it was brunch and as Benny's was once given the accolade of the UK's Best Sandwich I felt it only fair that I test that theory, only with a little twist, it was absolutely bucketing down, as you would expect, in JUNE, so I went for a toastie! Laurie went for a Panini.
I went for the Louisiana Sandwich, which at £4.95 was a steal! Chicken, bacon and cheese with a spicy yet tangy BBQ sauce, it was really tasty, proper chicken, salty bacon and oozy cheese, what more could I ask for - well a delightful wee salad dressing, that's what - amazing!
Lauren got the Chicken, pesto and sun dried tomato panini, same price as the sambo and for an extra £2.95 you can add a soup to any sandwich or panini. It was tasty too but I was a wee bit gutted she didn't go for the Roast Beef and Mozzarella one, I think we actually fell out over this...
What Makes Benny's Stand Out?
They offer a Gluten Free Menu which has a great selection, have many vegetarian options and are looking into more healthy alternatives as we speak! All great news in today's health orientated society.
Their food is fresh, homegrown and local ingredients are used, Benny's is a refreshing move away for the bombardment of American Cuisine on offer in Boucher
Viva La Mexico! They have just started Benny's Burrito Place where you can indulge in some Burritos, Tacos and other mexican treats - I actually only noticed this on my way out and Trish the manager brought me over to have a look! It's where the Old Olivia's Pantry was and in my eyes this is another way Benny's excels, diverse and tasty is a great way to describe this place.
On a wee final note, the tray-bakes at the till just look out of this world, if anyone does go (and I hope you will) will they get one and send me a photo -they honestly looked like the best buns in the world! If I had to sum up Benny's Bistro in 3 words it would be - Friendly staff, Fabulous Food and Fantastic prices! Next time your in Boucher check them out!