This is the day one report
from Chef Phil on his " Now ya' travelin" vacation.
It is my intent to report on the restaurants that I visit, get some interviews,
pictures, and possibly recipes from these places.
This is actually day two but I have chosen to
overlook day one as it was, shall we say "forgettable", not going to
mention names but suffice it to say that a Mexican restaurant that featured an
authentic Mariachi band playing "Orange Blossom Special" and
"Rocky Top Tennessee" is possibly a once in a lifetime find in the
Blue Ridge mountains of West Virginia. That said, we move to this report
coming from Indiana, Pa.
Home of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania,
which all you YouTube enthusiasts will recognize as the alma matter of Chad
Hurley, one of the co-founders of this great video sharing site.
But far and away Indiana, Pa. is best known as
the birthplace of the great film actor, Jimmy Stewart. If Jimmy were
alive today I know that he would boast of and frequent a fine restaurant in his
home town. The restaurant I mention is, Benjamin's. From the street
it looks like a Victorian home much like the others on Philadelphia street, but
inside is a dining area, bar and the setting of a wonderful restaurant.
In back is a two level dining patio second to none. I had the pleasure of
dining there with a very good friend, Roxanne Embry and her husband,
Dodge. Rox and I attended culinary college together and worked together in
our early years of our profession.
I can only comment on the appetizers and entree
that I had but for a full run down I would direct you to their web site, (benjaminsindianapa)
this will show you more of the history and menu of this establishment.
Now, back to the food. As an appetizer we shared a wonderful Hot crab and
artichoke dip with a somewhat spicy sauce that went well with the tortilla
chips that accompanied it. Next up was the Pan Asian Shrimp, superb,
a spicy shrimp dredged in a house made tempura batter, drizzle with a spicy
glaze and served over Asian slaw, I could have made a meal of the slaw by
itself. My entree was a "daily special" so you won't find it on
the menu. It consisted of angel hair pasta tossed with chopped Roma
tomatoes, artichokes and feta cheese topped with shrimp which were done to
perfection, you know the kind I mean, they snap when you bite into them.
The rest of the entrees looked as delicious as mine and I am quite sure that
goes for any item on the extensive menu that is prepared by this talented
kitchen staff.
Did not look at the wine list but from all other
observations I am sure it is extensive as well. I highly recommend this eatery
if you are in the area, if not it is worth a trip if you are even close.
I have no problem giving this place a 5 of 5
fork rating or on the Mr. B scale, 5 nums.
Do not miss a trip to the Jimmy Stewart museum,
another highlight of my trip, hope to return someday as it was too much for me
to take in one day.
Next stop, Chautauqua County New York, my home
town, several new restaurants since I left, and a few I grew up around, stay
tuned for more "Now ya' travelin" reports.
Chef Phil
