Benson’s Vinaigrettes – Fast Fine Food
940 Elmwood Street
517-703-9616
Price Range: From $8.99 – $16.99 ($3.25 – $5.25 for soup)
Casual atmosphere with excellent, friendly customer service
[Jo:] The first thing I noticed upon entering Benson’s Vinaigrettes was a prayer box. Now if that’s not your thing, that’s your business but I liked it.
[Mo:] Each booth was adorned with a lovely touch of beautiful violets. While I surveyed the many dishes from which to choose, we were greeted by a lovely, friendly server. We went on a Monday and on Mondays and Tuesdays, Vinaigrettes features the “Budget Booster Special.” This special offers your choice of any two entrees with four sides for $14.99 after 3:00pm. The entrees range from a Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwich to a Crab Stuffed Swai Fish.
[Jo:] I looked at all of the dishes and my eyes landed on the “Quiche of the Day” which was a vegetable quiche loaded with onions, mushrooms, spinach, red peppers, and cheese. The crust was flaky and baked to perfection. Next time, I may have to order two!
[Mo:] Thankfully, we shared our entrees or I would have missed out on an excellent quiche. The quiche was amazing and there were veggies and cheese with every bite. Although I could have opted for the Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs (which our server told us was great) I ordered the “Herb Roasted Chicken”. I couldn’t resist it when I saw the chicken arrive. Sizzling hot and perfectly golden. It was calling my name.
[Jo:] By the way, thanks so much for sharing your entrée with me. I’ve had well-seasoned chicken before but just on the surface. At vinaigrettes, the meat of the chicken was seasoned all of the way to the bone!
[Mo:] I know it! Not only was the entrée large enough for two, the chicken was so tender! It just fell off the bone. Honestly, I was sad when it was gone. So, can we talk about the side dishes?
[Jo:] I had a hard time choosing so I followed Mo this time. We both had a side of “Macaroni and Cheese” as well as the “Broccoli Salad”. However, we could have chosen from a variety of dishes including an Asparagus Noodle Bake, Green Beans or Redskinned Mashed Potatoes.
[Mo:] There are a few dishes that I am very critical of because I make them well (when I do cook). One of those is macaroni and cheese. I must say that Vinaigrette’s was excellent. The macaroni was cooked just right – not too hard and not mushy. The sharpness of the cheddar cheese was just what I was looking for in the dish.
[Jo:] I was also pleased with the Broccoli Salad. Now I don’t know what was in it, but it sure was great!
[Mo:] I think we didn’t know what was in it because we ate it so fast!
[Jo:] In my humble opinion, if you are in the mood for home-style cooking in a warm comfortable environment, Benson’s Vinaigrettes is the place. I sure hope that we have no plans for Friday. Vinaigrettes is featuring Prime Rib! Yummm.
Send restaurant recommendations and queries to mojosreviews@yahoo.com
This was printed in the June 3, 2010 – July 3, 2010.
