Head to Benson's in Warner Robins for creative, different sushi options
Benson's Steak and Sushi looks very "Orlando" from the outside -- large, glamorous and dramatic. Inside, it's a little less polished, but it's still very unusual and dramatic compared to your usual steak and sushi restaurants.
A private room and the restrooms are to your right, so take a left into the high-ceiling dining area, where a bar and sushi chef hold down the middle of the room and booths line the perimeter.
Our server came over immediately and took our drink orders. While he didn't offer to tell us the specials (there's a board when you enter, so you may want to read it before you sit down) he did make suggestions and called someone over to tell answer our questions.
The sashimi and sushi arrived very quickly, and expertly made. We chose the smoked salmon sushi at $4.65 for two pieces. It was simple and delicious. Other small-order sushi items include smelt egg, flying fish roe, toro, surf clam and sweet shrimp, in addition to the usual eel, salmon roe and yellowtail.
The best items of the night were the Monkey Brains sashimi and the Lion Roll. The Monkey Brains, for $12.50, are actually a peeled and quartered avocado filled with crab meat and a slightly spicy sweet sauce. The Lion Roll, on special for $15.95 during our visit, was an eight-piece presentation of salmon, crab and perfectly sticky rice. Benson's version is very loose and not topped with the usual fish eggs.
In addition to the usual sushi items, Benson's also has quite a few more creative options. Their Warner Robins roll consists of deep fried fish and roe topped with eel sauce and sesame seeds and oil. The Tassy roll bakes crab and whitefish together, topped with three colors of tobiko (also known as flying fish roe).
Some of the more adventurous rolls might be hit and miss to try. The 911 roll has spicy tuna, guacamole, jalapeño and sriracha for a fiery good time, and the 5-0 roll consists of banana, pineapple, shrimp, tuna, tempura flakes, coconut, almonds and avocado.
Our choice from the Chinese menu -- the coconut curry chicken for $12.95 -- was my least favorite, though I couldn't pin down what I didn't like. It was loaded with vegetables, but lacked balance between the sauce and the other ingredients.
Our filet mignon for $22.95 was literally filleted, butterflied perhaps to look larger. The meat was tender and cooked as ordered, so no complaints. It's accompanying potato and broccoli were cooked and seasoned well.
Final analysis: definitely try Benson's for the sushi, with the most bang for your buck for lunch -- three rolls for less than $10 -- and don't forget to try those Monkey Brains!
Benson's Steak and Sushi
Address: 1289 S. Houston Lake Road, Warner Robins
Phone: 478-287-6809
Website: www.bensons.info
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Payment: Cash, credit
Smoking: No
Alcohol: Yes
Kids Menu: Yes
Noise Level: Low
Health Rating: 100
Price range: $7.95-$23.95
Rating: 3.5 stars
This story was originally published December 24, 2015 at 3:58 PM with the headline "Head to Benson's in Warner Robins for creative, different sushi options ."