Stamford is an avid sports town with some famous names among its natives. And when big men like retired LA Rams/NY Giants, defensive end starF, the iconic businessman Andy Robustelli and veteran NBA referee Bennett Salvatore get together to dine, they eat big!
And so, a restaurant appealing to sports figures, fans, families and businesses was created. Bennett's is a New York style steakhouse, a place where a group can entertain and enjoy prime beef and fabulous seafood. There is a family connection - Bennett Salvatore is married to Andy's daughter, Regina Robustelli.
Bennett's Steak and Fish was established 12 years ago by these two sports stars to give their friends and family a dream team of a steak and fish dining experience. The restaurant is cool and modern with a chic calm that encourages conversation.
However, the Italian warmth and famous Old Stamford hospitality shines in the enthusiasm of managing partner Steve Buckett. A true connoisseur, he can untangle any puzzling wine/food pairing from the $36 to the $500 bottles selected to go with satiny filets mignon, cold lobster, sweet veal scallops or tender, succulent chicken.
The raw bar of appetizers includes separately served Littleneck clams and raw oysters with cocktail and mignonette sauce. Chilled lobster cocktail, mussels, lump crabmeat and shrimp are offered and a seafood extravaganza with some of each is enough to make a meal. Other excellent appetizers are lightly fried oysters, house-smoked salmon and a fab array of enticing flavors.
Favorite dining experiences include dry-aged steaks and prime ribs that range from eight to 34 ounce cuts of Niman ranch, hormone free, organic beef. Larger steaks are available on request. However they also have fresh fish daily. A lovely red snapper was recently available, delicately sauced and pristinely fresh. Their baby rack of lamb is mint-crusted and pink. Pork chops are Frenched and served with Granny Smith apples. Chicken Francaise is another luscious favorite.
Sides are traditional, however their hash browns and creamed spinach are spectacular. Desserts are rich - chocolate mousse cake, New York cheesecake and many others, fresh daily.
At Thanksgiving, Bennett's serves full course leg of lamb dinners and turkey with all of the trimmings. A special pumpkin cheesecake is a holiday treat. Closed on Christmas Day, Bennett's delivers a seafood feast on Christmas Eve with many specials - traditional to the owners' Italian heritage.
Bennett's has a buffet menu for parties and two dinner party menus with multiple choices of meat, fish, chicken and sides as well as salads and desserts. Menus can also be custom designed to taste.
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Reviewed by Nancy T. Maar (a Stamford Plus and Norwalk Plus magazine food columnist)
