Date night - Rainbow Lodge & Benjy's Review

This past Saturday night my lovely bride and I were fortunate enough to enjoy a spectacular date night with our dear friends Ruth and Scott Calabrese...again!  In today's and future posts of this sort, instead of focusing on how cool the attendees are, I'm going to provide some reviews of establishments around Houston and beyond that we think are places you may like to try...or not try based on the review!

So today we'll look at two places - Rainbow Lodge & Benjy's on Washington.

Main Dining Room

The Back Deck

Private Dining Room

Our seats

{All photos courtesy of Rainbow Lodge}

We started our evening with cocktails and wine at Rainbow Lodge located on the corner of Ella & TC Jester.  This is the former location of the Tour d'Argent French Restaurant.  Rainbow Lodge, decorated as an old hunting lodge, took over this location after losing their lease on the property on Memorial due to a ridiculous land owner that figured he/she could open a restaurant on their own.  I can happily report that their concept failed and Brenner's has now taken over the location - which is very good but will be a separate review.

We took our drinks out to the back deck and enjoyed the lovely view out into their heavily landscaped, muli-level, rolling hill walking path.  It's hard to believe such a place exists within the confines of a huge, hustling city.  The wine selection was vast and the bartenders quick with helpful direction.   I can absolutely recemmend Rainbow Lodge as an excellent place for a pre-dinner drink, especially on a fun date night with friends or romantic date night with your honey.  I'll review the food offering next time we go.

Main Dining Room

My order - Pecan & Pistacio Crusted Chicken

{All photos courtesy of Benjy's}

We then continued the frivolity with dinner at Benjy's on Washington Ave.  This is Benjy's second location after many years of success at his Rice Village spot.  Jen and I have been here several times and every opportunity has been nothing but spectacular.  Saturday night was no different.  Great service (although at the speed with which the waiter recited the specials, there were hints that he was on speed), superb food and great wine (a very nice full-bodied Cabernet from Napa called Educated Guess).  Their Jack Daniels also happened to be top notch as well!  The restaurant is not stuffy and the dress code is relaxed but not sloppy.  Most patrons were dressed for an evening out and most men donned a sportcoat.  Benjy himself was spotted several times helping with table seating, food delivery and upgraded customer service. It's always nice to see the owner getting his hands in the mix!

After a complimentary appetizer of Spinach Ricotta Crepes with Butternut Squash/Toasted Hazelnuts, my wife and Ruthie each had Seared Scallops w/Forbidden Black Rice, Roasted Cauliflower and Caper Beurre Blanc.  Mr. Scott enjoyed the Ravioli special and I sunk my teeth into the Crunchy Chicken, crusted with Pistachio and Pecan, marbled Potato Gratin and a sweet corn reduction...heavenly!  I guess I have to mention we also ordered a trio of sides for the table consisting of Fried Brussel Sprouts, Sweet Potato Fries w/bacon chive aioli and Green Chili Mac N' Cheese.

So after all that, some coffee and beignets right out of the fryer, we said our good-byes and thanks and headed home for bed feeling sufficienly stuffed but not uncomfortable.  Another fun, laughter filled evening with the Calbrese duo and another successful trip to two of our favorite spots.  Please give both these establishments a try...and tell them Britt sent you.  That won't get you anything, but you can try!