At a time when restaurant chains are expanding throughout Orange county: same façade, same lay-out, same décor, same menu and often same untrained staff, it was particularly refreshing to have lunch and chat with Lloyd Weinstein, the very “hands-on” owner of Benjies, a unique restaurant, family owned for two generations.
The business was founded in 1967 by Lloyd’s parents, Stan and Eleanor Weinstein. Born in Brooklyn New York, Stan Weinstein entertained the idea of opening a New York delicatessen for a long time. After owning for a few years a drive-in restaurant and a full service family restaurant in Garden Grove, in 1967, Stan purchased “Squires” coffee shop on Tustin Avenue in Santa Ana. After extensive remodeling, on October 8th 1967, the New York Style Deli “ BENJIES” was born.
At the time the competition was minute. No one had a worldly menu with copious portions of fresh food, all prepared on the premises, like Benjies did. The restaurant was an instant success.
Lloyd Weinstein virtually grew up at BENJIES. He worked the business with his parents and eventually when they aged, took over the restaurant with his wife Noriko.
Lloyd and Noriko updated the décor, but kept the original menu that made Benjies famous, intact. Unique soups: Matzo ball soup, Mish Mosh, chicken soup, sweet and sour cabbage soup, beet borscht. . Appetizers: potato latkes, stuffed cabbage rolls, chopped liver, creamed and pickled herrings. Triple deckers sandwiches: corned beef, pastrami and Swiss cheese with Russian dressing. Reuben: corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut grilled on rye, served with potato salad. Delicious desserts: Cheese blintzes, sprinkled with powdered sugar served with sour cream and strawberry preserves, Baklava, Éclair and many more, all delicacies that East coast and Euro Americans missed badly in Southern California, until Benjies came to the rescue.
In order to insure consistency and authenticity of the cuisine, Lloyd has created a database, which breaks down all ingredients used in each dish, with quantities and cooking method.
Today, Benjies is one of the finest New York style deli and has a thriving catering business. The addition of the Bamboo Lounge, adjacent to the main restaurant, provides access to a full bar, which is a treat in a deli. You can also enjoy your meal in the bar area while watching your favorite sport programs on the satellite big screen TVs.
The variety and quality of food provided by Benjies have not gone unnoticed. Benjies is the recipient of two 2007 awards from the Southern California Restaurant Writers; Best American Restaurant and Distinguished Restaurant award. Recently, Lloyd Weinstein himself entered the Best cheese sandwich contest at The Orange County fair and won with his famous Reuben sandwich with plentiful, mouth watering Swiss cheese.
The trophy is proudly displayed in the window case under the cash register.
Lloyd Weinstein knows all the members of his staff by their first name. He enquires about the well being of their families. Most waitresses and other wait staff have been with the restaurant for 15 to 30 years. They are prompt and attentive to the customers’ needs.
Benjies is located 1828 North Tustin avenue in Santa Ana and has ample free offstreet parking. Benjies is open seven days a week from 7AM to 9PM. Karaoke music in the Bamboo Lounge runs from 9 PM until 1 AM on Friday nights.
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