Benchmark

My birthday was a few weeks ago and my partner Lou wanted to take me out somewhere special. Indoor dining is still prohibited in NYC and many restaurants are still closed. Outdoor dining is permitted, but tables must be at least six feet apart. Lou wanted to go somewhere where seating was plentiful and well-spaced so we opted for Benchmark in Park Slope.

In addition to sidewalk dining, Benchmark has a beautiful garden patio with ample spacing so you can feel safe and enjoy an intimate meal. The menu is eclectic and fuses many different cuisines together with results that are surprisingly cohesive. We had an unusual appetizer of Smoked Chicken and Pimento dip with bread and crackers. It was delicious. For dinner, Lou had their Pork al Pastor Torta and I enjoyed their season salad which included strawberries, yucca, and goat cheese. Dessert was the most incredible surprise. They served a chocolate chip egg roll. It was a wonton stuffed with cookie dough and served warm with vanilla gelato and a caramel sauce.

We will definitely be back again and Benchmark now holds a special place in my heart. Aside from having my birthday dinner there, Lou surprised me when we got home by proposing. Benchmark will always be one of our places.