Westchester is a beautiful part of New York. Not many people think to go there often unless they have an event, family, or vacation. I myself am guilty of not venturing to that part of NY for fear it was just too far and or not easily accessible; boy was I wrong though! Westchester was just a half hour drive from the East Village and is even closer if you are farther uptown.

IMG_4130         Benjamin Steakhouse is just what you need when you want an elegant “NY” night out but with out all the hustle and bustle of the city. This well-known steakhouse serves up some of the finest quality cuts of meat, seafood, and sides. The service staff is impeccable, friendly, and knowledgeable. As a Sommelier, it always impresses me when I can dine at a restaurant and the server picks the perfect wine to go with my meal. I didn’t event have to give Eli, one of the managers and our server, my palate preferences and or food choices and he picked everything I would have wanted.

The seafood platter, piled high with shrimp, crab, lobster, oysters, and clams was how the evening began. Paired with this appetizer, which is great for 2-4 people, was a 2008 Pouilly- Fume. Alongside this appetizer were stuffed clams, which were the best I have ever had. These delicious bi-valves were accompanied by jumbo lump crab cakes, which were absolutely stunning with the wine. The acidity in the wine went beautifully with fresh seafood; and at Benjamin’s you are served fresh EVERYTHING!

Next came a bottle of Heitz Cellars 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is truly unbelievable and one of the best Cabernet’s I have had in a very long time. This wine is smooth, creamy, and strikes you with cherry, chocolate, and violet notes. On the palate there are some hints of black fruit and coffee. The tannins in this wine are integrated extremely well and I wound up drinking more than half the bottle with out even realizing it! What did we pair with this wine? Porterhouse Steak: rare of course, a rack of Lamb, Hash Browns, Asparagus, and Creamed Spinach.

IMG_4141     Benjamin’s is famous for their hash browns, and for an excellent reason… they are fabulous! The asparagus is large and what amazed me was how crunchy it was on the outside and soft inside. The rack of lamb was medium rare and served over sautéed spinach and garlic.

Make sure you wrap up some items and save room for dessert. At Benjamin’s you can have house made Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, and Pecan Pie. The cheesecake is smooth, creamy, and the perfect way to end the night. Now, to be honest I was never a fan of pecan pie until I tried the Benjamin one… it is out of this world yum! Paired with these desserts were a Graham’s 10, Taylor Fladgate 10, and a 2012 Wagner Ice Wine, all of which were picked by Eli, and made this Somm extremely happy!

 

Ok, so my meal was unbelievable and I could honestly preach it all day, everyday. Why should you head to Benjamin Steakhouse in Westchester? Well, because the ambiance, service, and food are spectacular! You will be treated like a celebrity while sitting back, watching a beautiful fire and enjoy being out of a crowded city, town, or suburb for a night. Benjamin Steakhouse is an escape for a night that should be just what the doctor orders once a month or more!