|
Review content:
My wife and I were invited by an advisor to meet him at Five Spice for lunch. My wife mentioned to me that she'd heard mixed reviews about the place, but the experiences had been more than a year ago. \r
\r
I arrived somewhat earlier than the others, so sat by the (gas) fire in a sitting area beside the entrance. It seemed a wonderful place to just order a long drink and read a book. A hostess quickly appeared, and offered to seat me, order a drink, etc., but I decided to stay where I already was very comfortable. She reappeared several times to see I needed anything. \r
\r
The rest of the place was equally attractive... beautiful wood grains, design, and a magnificent view of the lake, just below. The lunch menu offered considerable variety, and was reasonably priced. The dinner menu also is interesting; its prices are somewhat on the high side of moderate, but not outlandish. (Oh, you want vegetables, too? A side dish will cost an extra $5.) \r
\r
Flavors were complex, subtle, excellent. Portions for all three of us were generous. Service was solicitous and prompt; any more would have been cloying. We all agreed that the ambiance was far preferable to that of Manzana, which is adjacent to Five Spice. \r
\r
We all were delighted. Our host remarked that he planned to use it for other business entertaining, and wondered aloud if he'd be able to be served in the sitting area. Leaving there, we walked across the cobbled roadway to the free parking garage, with reasonably large, individual parking spaces. \r
\r
Having read the negative comments about this restaurant by some others, it would seem that the best time to visit here would be during low-traffic periods such as weekdays. This is my first restaurant review, but I felt compelled to say something about this place's many fine qualities.
Pros: ambience, parking, accessibility, service, eclectic menu
Cons: spotty reputation for service
|