benjy's in Houston

We had dinner last night at benjy's in the Rice Village area in Houston.  It was GREAT!!!!  I haven't enjoyed a restaurant meal like that in while ( . . . because something always isn't right -- the food isn't flavorful or is over/undercooked or is too pricey for what it is, or the service isn't up to par)!

Last night was perfect.

The atmosphere was modern, hip and energetic -- not too loud so that we could hear ourselves.  

The service was excellent.  Great recos, and the friendly server even brought us potstickers (on the house!) that we considered for an appetizer but didn't order.  Pace was really good.

Food and drinks were TASTY!  benjy's has a very varied and eclectic menu, and the Asian dishes that I ordered had bold and complementary flavors (I was surprised how good it was).

I will definitely return and would highly recommend the restaurant.

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Here are some of the items we ordered that I tasted:

Lemon Basil Gimlet

Enchanted Rock vodka + basil and lemon juice + basil-ginger syrup

2011 Argyle Reserve Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley

BHR Pork Potstickers

lemograss-orange ponzu

Yangnyeom Crispy Chicken

korean red chili + kimchi

Hay Smoked Duck (duck was cooked perfectly!)

soba noodles + soy milk-ramen broth + shiitake mushrooms + bok choy

Dr Pepper Braised Short Rib 

heirloom grits + pipian + taqueria vegetables