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Patty's parents were in town from Nanaimo and we needed a
casual restaurant to take them to. Fifth St has a reputation for good
quality, high-value food, in a relaxed atmosphere.
Indeed, Fifth St met its mark. We were seated quickly on the
restaurant side of the establishment. Despite being a Monday evening,
the restaurant was busy, with a largely family clientele. Contemporary
design and broad menu clearly makes Fifth St a good option for groups.
The menu is divided into price categories: $5, $10, $15 and $20.
Simplicity is a virtue and the menu is the same in both restaurant and
pub. There's lots to choose from and the servings sizes generous, even
in the lowest price range.
We started with the spring rolls ($5), not exceptional, they were
tasty. Patty's dad ordered the crispy oysters in miso broth ($5). Patty
was suspicious of the dish and it's ability to be crispy in a broth, but
he was proven wrong. The oysters were in fact, both crispy and in a
broth. A value dish, the fresh tasting oysters, were abundant and the
execution of the dish good.
For our large plates I had the bbq pork ribs ($20). Yummy and one of
my favourites. They were cooked until the meat was falling off the bone
and the thick sauce adhered well to the meat. Patty had the jambalaya
risotto ($20), a humungous portion of tomato risotto topped with a
chicken breast, sausage and large prawn skewers. Patty thought that
cooking the meat separately was a great idea, ensuring proper
doneness.
Patty's dad had the mussel special ($10), which, when asked where
they were from the server answered, "from the ocean!" Upon further
prodding she revealed that they were west coast mussels, but she had no
further information. They were however, plump, juicy and the broth rich.
Patty's mom had the halibut special ($15), served with a coconut crust
and mild Thai curry sauce. The fish was cooked properly, although this
was a fairly simple dish, Patty's mom was thrilled. My mother, had the
coconut prawns ($10) with yam shoestring fries. The sauce was nice, the
portion of prawns reasonable and the fries were an aesthetically
pleasing accompaniment.
We ordered a couple bottles of the Oxford Landing Shiraz, a very
consistent wine and crowd pleaser. The wine list, albeit fairly short,
was diverse, but familiar, and perfect for this style of restaurant.
Overall, Patty's parents were extremely happy with their experience,
and therefore so were we. The server was pleasant and managed the group
well. The prices were low and perfect for a large group. The ambiance
isn't anything special, a little cookie cutter, but is fine for what it
is.
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Patty says...
Fifth St has an open kitchen. You see lots of
new restaurants nowadays that are going to the open kitchen
style format. Not only is it nice to see a little showmanship,
it also insures that the kitchen is spotlessly clean. The only
problem I have with the open kitchen concept is the fact that
when I am in the kitchen at work, I curse like a drunken sailor.
Not so great in a family style restaurant.
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Reviewed:
November 7, 2005
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