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| - T'was a bittersweet event. I was most excited to hear of the burger bash, but was concerned it may inhibit the opportunity to watch the Bucco's play in their one and done Wildcard Playoff game. Scoping Benjamin's I was assured we would be able to mingle, eat, and enjoy what I was hoping to be a Pirate victory all in the same night... Two out of three ain't bad right Meatloaf? Yes I would have much preferred the trifecta for the night but sadly it ended with a loss, at least at the stadium nearby... Moving on.
This was our first visit to Benjamin's. The streets were packed with fans attending said game so parking was more challenging than I am certain almost any other night of the year. However we, as other pointed out, just had to circle the streets of the North Side a few times to find a spot. We arrived early and sat at the bar to enjoy some drinks and comradery with local Pirate fans. When it was time to start we made our way up the steps to the semi-private area where the other yelpers flocked to. We grabbed a couple drinks and made our way toward a back area since the area where the couches were located were occupied. We met up with Tim W. a well-known Elitist and had the opportunity to actually meet and chat. One of my favorite things about the events are meeting all the great yelpers in the community and enjoying the events with them. We also got to see Aj S and share several laughs as he is always a blast to be around.
I think the major thing that the event lacked was the restraint of the vulture yelpers that hovered near the pool table and cleared out the sample trays before they made their way about the room. I have read the suggestions of other yelpers that a buffet may have helped this dilemma. I honestly don't think so. Free buffets bring out the worst in some people.. We were given tickets for drinks, so why not for food? Ah ha! Now we are talking... Anyhow that was the main drawback, since many trays were devoured right at their beginning destination we did miss some of the initial samplings. However, what eventually made its way around ended up being pretty darn scrumptious.
The first thing that came our way was a smoked salmon with, capers and aioli, on a crostini. It was very good reminiscent of a lox and bagel. The next tray that came about was Shrimp and Grits served on a spoon for one bit sample. The corn grits had a habanero cheese in them and the shrimp were perfectly cooked. Such a balance of heat and flavor this was one of my favorite things, the perfect bite! I will order it when I visit again. A Veggie Slider tray made with Balsamic-Rosemary Goat Cheese & Granny Smith Apple chickpeas, and veggies made its way to us next. It was ok, had some good flavor, just wouldn't see me ever ordering it, but great option for those who are not carnivorous. Unlike the others at my table I did get to sample one of the pulled pork sliders with slaw, very good.
We also got a crab cake slider, which was not my favorite, however I heard others signing praises so again just a personal palate opinion. I think like many others our favorite and winner of the evenings offerings was the candied jalapeno slider with candied jalapeno cream cheese & apple wood smoked bacon, taste buds were in awe. So, so very good. Definitely will pair well with the grits upon return visit.
Lastly we got a bowl of Anthony's ice cream with three flavors, apple pie, ginger and one of pumpkin. I tasted each but opted to give them to Matt as he has a sweet tooth that won't stop and honestly I was feeling full only after single samples, so I can only image how the folks that attacked the waiters were feeling.
We had a really nice time here, up to that Pirate loss when we packed up our ball and went home. Thanks Rachel for organizing the event and Benjamin's for all your tasty treats, see you at the next event
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