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Benners Cafe
Castle Street
Benners Cafe.
WE’RE going through some sort of food and drink revolution in Tralee at the moment.
Let’s recap.
In the past two months, two new hotels – The Ashe and Benners – have opened, each with their own gastropub; a new nightclub started with Quarters; the lads in Paddy Macs will have a new bar at the old Baily’s Corner come July; a new bar/bistro is imminent at the Square and now The Abbey Inn have announced they’re splitting the bar and opening a new cafe/bar called ‘House’ (see story here).
Continued below…
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All these people have to be applauded for creating jobs, taking a chance and trying to drive business into town. How they fare depends on the quality of their food and service and the townspeople supporting them.
I called in to Benners last week to see how things were going at the new cafe there since the O’Sullivan’s took over.
The interior is bright and airy with plenty of seating options and there was a good mix of families, office workers and couples enjoying their lunches.
I had a look at the menu and it’s very impressive. They had a number of carvery specials including hake, beef and guinness pie and roast leg of lamb on offer, as well as steak sandwiches, quarter pounders and other hot mains, but it was from the sandwich menu I chose from.
There’s a plentiful selection of wraps, paninis and sandwiches with mouth-watering descriptions.
They have three open sandwiches; a Dingle Bay shrimp, Quinlans Portmagee crab and Quinlans Smoked Organic Salmon all priced at €8.95, or an assiette of all three for €9.95, which I went for.
Being really hungry, I also went for the chowder (€5.50), thinking the sandwich wouldn’t be big filling enough. Big mistake.
The plate arrived and looked incredible with three large slices of brown bread and generous portions of the fish on top and a tasty side salad.
It was all really good, especially the crab in its coriander and lime creme fraiche and the prawn in the cognac marie rose sauce.
The chowder was thick, creamy, full of fish and perfectly seasoned.
I was stuffed, but I still managed a cappuccino to finish off a very good lunch. I’ll be back.
Had lunch there today (Sat) with my 8 year old nephew. First time since it opened. Was very impressed. I had the lamb which was so succulent and my nephew said the mash potato was the nicest he ever ate, (high praise from an 8 year old!) The staff was so friendly and attentive. Love the decor, while the place has changed radically there is still a hint of “Old Benners” there. Bright, cosy, airy and very comfortable. Great to see John O’Sullivan around there talking to customers, I like that personal touch. Really enjoyed my visit and I too will be back. PS.. love the exterior of the building, especially their hanging baskets and flower boxes on the higher windows.