Last night I went to an awards ceremony for 'Stars of Brentwood' whereby the volunteer group I founded alongside others, received an award. The wine was free and plentiful and today my hangover is free and plentiful. Being a single mum, I can't afford hangovers however, as my all over cure for everything is food, writing up this review couldn't have come at a better time.
Armed with 2 delinquents and 3 very 'hangry' stomachs, we totted off down to Basildon to experience the new Frankie's Basildon. I was greeted by Zahid, who explained to me that the restaurant was still owned by Frankie and Benny's but rolling out a new look 'Frankie's'. I have to admit my only time visiting a few years ago, was not so promising as the restaurant back then was seemingly in need of some TLC and an update on a fresher menu.
Thankfully the menu has changed as had the decor. Much cleaner, brighter, fresher and with polite and upbeat staff, I knew this was going to be a completely different experience to a few years back - and I was right.
We chose a 3 course meal off the menu, starting with Calamari, Chicken Wings and Garlic Bread. The food was fresh and plentiful, in fact we were rather full after just having the starters - no skimping on portions here. My eldest loved her chicken wings, whilst covered in rich BBQ sauce, they had a decent amount of meat on them. We all agreed the Garlic Bread was just right, not swimming in butter that can often ruin this dish. My Calamari likewise, had just a light batter so didn't overpower the actual Calamari.
For our main courses, we all opted for a variety of burgers and I have to say the quality of beef was very good. My biggest pet hate is greasy food but these burgers were meaty, well cooked and incredibly satisfying, like burgers should be. I also chose some corn on the cob and Tenderstem broccoli, served simply lightly steamed as vegetables should be cooked.
Finally, we thought we would really punish our stomachs and choose dessert. Of course there is always room for dessert, and in the name of research I decided to blow my 'no sugar weekday' regime and go for probably the most fattening of them all. Toblerone Cheesecake which, in actual fact wasn't 'that calorific as the kids delved in before I could. I can confirm my spoonful consisted of the crunchiest topping, with a soft melt in the mouth base. It also tasted of cheesecake and not just of sugar, like many desserts often do. My eldest had the Brownie, thick, rich, warm, gooey and deliciously 'chocolately' and my son the Chocolate Milkshake which, I can't comment as he downed the whole shake before I could even ask for a taste.
I can happily say that should I visit the cinema or bowling both in close proximity, and fancy lunch or dinner then I would happily return. Not only had the restaurant changed, but I noticed new vegan choices on the menu, the staff were spot on, and most importantly to someone of menopausal age, the toilets were spotlessly clean. Compared to other restaurant chains, I thought it was good value for money too. I would like to say a special thank you to our waitress Agata, for her attentiveness and smiley disposition.
My eldest put a little reel up on Instagram @askmollybeauty, so you can get a look at the food on offer however, to get a real taste I suggest checking out their website and booking here at www.frankieandbennys.com. Whilst my plan was to hit the gym this evening, I think the only thing I'm hitting is the armchair to work off some of this food coma!
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