5 Spice - Bend Oregon

5 Spice

My Facebook friends have been pestering me to write about 5 Spice. Finally the Wife and I made it over there to test it out. We've heard a couple of opinions from friends that 5 Spice is a bit pricey for what you get. Still, we wanted to see for ourselves.

We walk in and it doesn't look too much different than deep (the previous restaurant) looked aside from the lack of water in the overhead water feature. Even the dishes seemed to be the same as before. But the menu is different while having some of the normal Japanese dishes that you'd expect from a sushi restaurant.

However, since 5 Spice is a Fusion and Sushi Bar, not everything is just your normal sushi restaurant food. Just take a look at the entrees. From what I remember, the entrees ranged from $18 - $26.

Not really wanting to break the bank and not really starving we opted to go with a couple apps, a sushi roll, and some mussels. First we received the Assorted Tempura ($10) and the Fritters ($5).


The tempura batter was light and crispy. It tasted great and with 3 prawns instead of the normal one or two if you're lucky at most places, I was happy with it. The only complaint was that the broccoli was like a flippin tree. I like the broccoli tops, like a healthy version of the muffin top. I ended up cutting each broccoli branch into three sections in order to eat it like a normal person.

The fritters were good and a cute presentation for only 5 bucks. The Wife also enjoyed the Asian slaw that they were on top of. Kind of a nice palate cleanser.

Up next, the Rainbow Roll ($12)- Snow crab, avocado, cucumber, topped with assorted fish:


The sushi was good. Nice cuts of Nigiri across the top of the roll. We liked it.

The best deal of the night had to have been the 6 mussels for $8. Even Mio charges $3.95 a pair. I liked these a lot and would definitely get them again.


We enjoyed our evening and the pace in which everything arrived. I can't stand when you place your order and everything arrives at once. There's no room for the over sized plates and hot things are getting cold while the cold stuff is warming to room temp. Eh. At 5 Spice the pace was just right.

So we had 3 drinks (2 of which were mixed bourbon creations from the bartender Brad - check out the big brain on Brad) which were very good and not all girly and sweet. A sin if you ask me when mixing bourbon.

Our bill was $23 for drinks and $35 for the food. Without getting entrees we were still satisfied and ventured over to the Blacksmith for some dessert.

5 Spice Fusion and Sushi Bar
821 NW Wall Street
Bend, OR 97701
Phone: (541) 323-2328
http://www.bend5spice.com/
Hours
Daily 4:00pm-Close
5 Spice Happy Hour 4:00pm-6:00pm

deep - Bend Oregon

I was forwarded the following press release about deep, a new restaurant in downtown Bend featuring modern Japanese cuisine from the chef/owner of Merenda Restaurant and Wine Bar. I can't wait to try the Crisp and Angry Lobster...that just sounds right.

Bend, OR—Jody Denton, chef/owner of Merenda Restaurant and Wine Bar, will open Deep, his second restaurant in downtown Bend in late May, 2007. Deep will feature modern Japanese cuisine, inventive, contemporary dishes along with creative and traditional sushi. Located in the heart of downtown, ½ block from Merenda on Wall Street, Deep’s opening adds another chapter to Denton ’s long and distinguished career as he strives to raise the bar once again in Bend.

“Deep has been in my mind for a long time. I knew that one day I’d be able to do it. And to have it downtown is really important. This is where most locals and visitors come to dine. It’s the energetic heart of the city. "

The restaurant will seat 100 people within its main dining room and bar as well as its upstairs private dining room. High ceilings, a glass and steel water canopy that suspends above the dining room, and an overall modern design will make Deep wholly original to Bend’s ever-growing restaurant scene. “I’m extremely excited with how the architecture turned out,” says Denton. “Atmosphere is so much of a restaurant’s capacity to provide an experience. That, along with the food and service, makes for the total event that eating out should offer.”

Deep will be open seven nights a week and recommends reservations, which will be available only after the opening date. For more information, please contact Jody Denton at 541-323-9841 or visit www.deepbend.com

A FEW ITEMS COLD DISHES
Kumamoto Oysters with Cucumber Lime Ice
Tuna, Cucumber and Avocado Sashimi Roll with Truffle Ponzu
Hamachi Carpaccio with Jalapeño Ponzu
Hot Oil Seared Snapper Sashimi with Chilies and Scallions
Monkfish Pate with Miso-Dijon Sauce
Oregon Kobe Beef Tatake with Toasted Garlic
Sashimi Salad with Cucumber, Crisp Salmon Skin and Sesame Daikon Vinaigrette
Green Salad with Yuzu Vinaigrette

HOT DISHES
Stir Fried Edamame with Togarashi and Garlic
Awase Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms
Shrimp Tempura Udon with Oxtail Broth
Yuzu Pepper Shrimp with Three Mushrooms
Oregon Kobe Beef and a Hot River Rock
David’s Crisp and Angry Lobster
Sweet Miso Cured Black Cod
Chili Crusted Calamari and Scallions
Crispy Air Dried Duck Salad
Lacquered Pork Short Ribs
Grilled Oregon Kobe Beef Steak

Kanpai Sushi and Sake Bar

Kanpai

It's not often that I get out to eat sushi in this town being that there is only one acceptable restaurant in town and it's expensive. Kanpai had a bad reputation for the wait staff and the sushi chefs being extremely rude. Customer service in general used to be horrible. The last couple times that I've been to Kanpai have been the opposite. The service has been quite good.

I'm sure everyone has their horror stories from Kanpai. I know my first time going there I almost walked out without paying. But, like I said, I've been satisfied the last couple times.

On the last visit I started off with Hot Sake. That's right I said HOT Sake. You can keep your fancy pants cold sake with the high prices and your "knowledge" of "traditional" sake. I like the cheap stuff and served hot.

Now I don't know my fancy wine's and I don't know one cold sake from the other. I know what I like and what I like gets me tossed and feels good in by big belly. I don't drink enough cold sake (or sake in general) to know one from the other. Kanpai should do a sampler and maybe I'd try em out. Until then, I'll stick with my hot sake and be plenty happy.


When I do go to Kanpai I try to get there early and during the week to take advantage of their Happy Hour Menu. Unfortunately, I have zero self control especially when I think I'm getting a deal so I still spend way too much.

The photo above and below are the only two I was able to get before it got too dark for me to take photos without using the flash. I'm lying, I took these with my cell and it doesn't have flash.


The tempura at Kanpai is good but has a really really light batter. I like a little heavier mix but it's still pretty good and you get a large selection of vegetables.

We also had the Hamachi Kama (I'm not going to pretend to say the definition but I'm pretty sure it's the cheek) which is insanely good. Get it!

And of course we had some nigiri. All good stuff but man, that bill took a toll on the old wallet. Fortunately the left overs provided enough for lunch the following day.

Anyway, if you have a chance to swing by Kanpai for some sushi or sake or both (my choice), I recommend it. Yes Shannon, I'm going to try Shoji's eventually. If you haven't been back to Kanpai since your bad experience (also Shannon, I think your post was the last one I've read where you had terrible service) I think you might be pleasantly surprised by their improvement.

Kanpai Sushi and Sake Bar
990 NW Newport Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
541-388-4636
http://www.kanpai-bend.com/