Bensi Salad = Crack

Fine, I'll admit it. My culinary tastes leave much to be desired. I'm no "foodie" (or whatever the hell that means), I don't profess to know what marjoram is, nor do I shop at specialty stores that sell Herbes de Provence. 

I like what I like. And right now, I'm obsessed with the Bensi Salad. 

I had never even heard of the Italian restaurant chain until I moved to New Jersey a few years ago. And now, I'm in heaven. And it has nothing to do with their pasta or chicken marsala. Strangely enough, my love affair with this restaurant began over some lettuce and some vinegar and oil.

Ladies and gentleman, I present to you the perfect salad: The Bensi Salad, the perfect blend of iceberg and romaine lettuce, baby greens, tomatoes, cubes of mozzarella, roasted red peppers, green and black olives, and house dressing. (Note: the salad comes with sun-dried tomatoes and red onions, but I always skip those. I believe onions are the devil and sun-dried tomatoes and I no longer get along.)

I can't tell you how many times I've stopped at Bensi on my way home from work, or from the gym, JUST for the salad. I kid you not, I've purchased a to-go salad three times in one week -- but I switched up the locations (North Arlington, Clifton and Hasbrouck Heights) so the people behind the register wouldn't think I was crazy.

Now, some of you might be saying: "What's so damn special about this salad?" And to tell you the truth, I have no idea. It's wonderful because it is, OK?!

The first bite is ...absolutely exquisite! The dressing -- vinegary greatness mixed with oil and other yummy goodness -- is light and tasty, the perfect complement to the roasted red peppers and mozzarella.

Now you tell me, why should I even attempt to make salad at home when THIS exists???

Mangia!