Monthly Archives: August 2016

Cafe Benedicte

I’ve been working too hard. After a long break I took in Fredericksburg, I found myself thrust into a work schedule which was very draining. It didn’t help that Beans started band camp and I have to drive him every single day at the crack of dawn. I cannot wait for the day that this boy can finally drive. On weeks like these, food preparation becomes very unimaginative, borderline unhealthy. So this morning, D decided that he’s had enough of this busy-bee nonsense and booked us a reservation for lunch at Cafe Benedicte.

It’s a Euro-fusion restaurant located in Memorial Drive, just a block away from D’s office. I am blown away by the decor. The windows have huge decals of Positano and Amalfi Coast— a gorgeous region in South Italy, close to not-so-gorgeous city of Naples. Don’t get me wrong, Naples has its charms but it has become so crowded and filthy, you really have to go out of your way to seek the old-world beauty that it used to have to appreciate it. Anyway, I digressed. The decals are  strategically placed to give the impression that you are actually looking out to the view.

This is how it looks from our table. The way the light hits it, makes it very realistic.
This is how it looks from our table. The way the light hits it, makes it very realistic. We were in Positano 3 years ago (no, we didn’t run into George Clooney), so it was nice to reminisce.
The y feature live music at night, hence this grand piano
The y feature live music at night, hence this grand piano

Menu is very Mediterranean and surprisingly reasonable priced, which is almost always the case in Houston. It is so easy to find a wonderful restaurant without having to spend so much.

This is $4 peach sangria. I never met a sangria I didn't like
This is $4 peach sangria. I never met a sangria I didn’t like
Hummus Platter - Chopped Lamb and Pine Nuts Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Vegetable and Feta Hummus
Hummus Platter – Chopped Lamb and Pine Nuts Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Vegetable and Feta Hummus

When I looked at the menu online before going here, the baba ghanoush caught my eye. It’s been so long since I had this Middle Eastern eggplant dish. I first had this in Dubai and that was a good 12 years ago. Their version of this dish is excellent. I got so riled up with this Middle Eastern appetizer so I decided to match it with my entree.

My entree - Koufta Kebab - Beef, Ground Lamb Kobide and herbs grilled on a skewer and served with Basmati Rice, a Grilled Vegetable Kebab and Pita Bread
My entree – Koufta Kebab – Beef, Ground Lamb Kobide and herbs grilled on a skewer and served with Basmati Rice, a Grilled Vegetable Kebab and Pita Bread

Their entrees menu is an interesting mix of Italian, Spanish, South of France and Middle Eastern Cuisine. I was so torn between this kobide and their paella. Not to mention all the fresh pasta. Alas, I can only have one.

D, the eternal health fanatic, ordered the healthiest in the menu.

Caprese Omelet - scrambled eggs with fresh mozzarella and beef steak tomatoes and basil. Sweet Potato fries on the side (this is the winner)
Caprese Omelet – scrambled eggs with fresh mozzarella and beef steak tomatoes and basil. Sweet Potato fries on the side (this is the winner)
Dessert - Bourbon Bread Pudding With Caramelized Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Dessert – Bourbon Bread Pudding
With Caramelized Woodford Reserve Bourbon

You can never go wrong with alcoholic desserts. It’s the best of both worlds.

What a great way to spend a very short weekend break. I’m working again tomorrow so I will be spending the rest of this day cooking for next week. Life of a working mom… I cook most stuffs over the weekend, throw them in the fridge or freezer, then nuke as needed. God bless whoever invented the microwave!