Peachy Picks Benito One Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
Owner James Bari
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Owner James Bari is in his natural environment on Mulberry Street; presiding over the restaurant from the bar area where he jovially sings to the background music is intrinsic to him. We heard Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald and more hits and he tells us he has over 2,000 songs on the ipod there from the 1940's and 50's. Born on Mulberry Street, he is a true original and the kind of person that makes a jaunt to Little Italy so worthwhile. On the logo you'll find his grandmother and his mother's portraits and that's just the beginning of the charm.
Benito One was first featured in Tasty Tidbits:
and we are pleased to announce it has joined Peachy's Picks. James greeted Peachy at the door and was a joy to work with all evening.
There was once a Benito who worked at Grotto Azurra, and left in 1968 to open Benito. Today, James and his brother are the 4th owners and have been running it since March 17, 2011. (In the past Benito Two was run by Benito's wife, and that has since closed and the two were not affiliated from the 1970's going forward we understand...before our time!) James Bari was once a veteran at Umberto's Clam House.
Peachy Deegan sipped an appropriate Chianti through the duration of our meal, and we were pleased to have the coveted window seat!
We are proponents of getting your vegetables in, so Peachy opted for the Cold Antipasto to start with. You know her favorite vegetable is mozzarella!
Roasted peppers, prosciutto, grilled eggplant, olives, and greens formed a beautiful symphony of color and taste and this simple, fresh starter was a fantastic beginning to a solid meal.
They do make their own lobster ravioli-in pink sauce-and it was irresistible! Other kinds they make include meat, cheese and porcini. Stuffed shells, lasagna and manicotti are also among coveted homemade pasta dishes at Benito One.
The ambiance is wonderful with family photos on the walls and an accordion player with enthusiasm! The menu is quite extensive, but we understood from James that the Chicken Valdostano is among their most popular dishes...
...and we can understand why! Served with a fantastic selection of vegetables sauteed to perfection, this chicken was juicy and rich in the marsala wine sauce, and to take it up a notch, at Benito One this is stuffed with prosciutto, mozzarella and mushrooms. Definitely come hungry to Benito One! James is a total peach and swung by at dessert.
Tiramisu and cappuccino hit the spot!
Our esteemed panelist adds:
Dinner at Benito One was an absolute pleasure. Visually, I felt like I was in someone's
home. Photos of generations of Jimmy's family adorn the walls. The service
was warm and friendly.
I began with the Carciofo Ripieno.
The taste was explosive! Stuffed with cheese, it was certainly a different
take on stuffed artichokes. The cheese made it a little greasy but it was
delish!
Their s
ignature gnoochi was bite size, light and delicious! Cooked to
perfection, and married with a pink sauce that was excellent. A great dish
for sure!
Veal Francais:
I love the basics - if a restaurant can make a basic outstanding they own
me. Must say Benito's veal was one of the best I have eaten. Cut thru it
like butter, it was flavorful and tender - served with fresh veggies and
potatoes. Great combo - just enough for the perfect portion.
Always my favorite part of the meal for sure! The cannoli was lovely and the wine was good.
Peachy Picks Benito One!
Benito One is Recommended by Whom You Know.
