Comments on: H5O bistro & bar – First Impression

By: White clams

White clams — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 08:47:06 +0000

Tonight I was actually taking a left off of Naito Parkway onto the Morrison St. Bridge, and I detoured into H5O.

I ordered off the bar menu, but will be going back tomorrow night for dinner with a friend, so I can sample more.

Without a doubt, the three “morsels” and dessert were the finest dishes I’ve had in Portland in a while (and I’ve had a few, including Sel Gris’ Lobster Gnocchi–my latest favorite dish, which suplanted the eggplant at Toro Bravo for me). I ordered the Razor Clam complemented with a tomato turrine–a very unique dish that was delicious in every way, right down to the Old Bay cracker, the shrimp scampi–a wonderful rendition served on a perfectly delicious crostini with the perfect crunch and garlicky oil texture, and the incredible Big Eye tartare–an ample portion that takes Sinju’s Ahi Tuna Tower to a much more simple and delicious level.

Lastly, a dessert I could only describe to the bartender as “sick”. The Churros–wonderfully prepared doughnut like fingers covered in cinnamon sugar that were to be dipped into an espresso cup filled with hot chocolate sauced encrusted with a burnt marshmallow topping.

I had no idea what to expect when I dropped in H50 on a whim. I left thinking this was an amazing find… one of the true treasures in Portland dining. The bar was very crowded–the dining room not so much. The economy? I don’t know, but if 10-01, Sel Gris and Toro Bravo are crowded, so should this bistro be.

I can’t wait to experience this place again with my dear friend tomorrow night. I texted her that it was my treat–she just needs to pay for parking, which will undoubtedly create a smile when we pull up and enjoy the free valet parking. I parked across the street tonight, but was informed of this little perk by the staff.

By: salmonfly65

salmonfly65 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:33:29 +0000

I ate lunch there last week with some colleagues. Not much going in the restaurant – only three or four tables seated while we were there. We ordered a bottle of wine that was marked up about 100% – I think that’s pretty typical and unoffensive.

The African Peanut soup is very good, as was the Ravioli de Lengua (cow tongue). Overall, very good value, decent service, and no delays getting a table. I’ll head back again.

By: Jenn

Jenn — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:08:32 +0000

For clarification, the price tag for the meal I posted about was for two people. Ya gotta splurge when you’ve gotten a promotion at work, right?

By: Jenn

Jenn — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:07:09 +0000

Ate there on Wednesday night, was quite pleasantly surprised. Went with the tasting menu with wine pairings, plus had two of the desserts, ran under $150 including tip. So not cheap, but worth it if you can splurge on dining out. We weren’t expecting spectacular from a hotel restaurant but wanted to try it out, and we’re glad we did. The “amuse bouche” of crostini with pear and cheese was perfectly delicious, and the meal just continued on like that. The duck confit dish was extraordinarily unusual, reminded me of a fantastic breakfast, great meat and rich caramelized flavours. The foie gras was incredibly light but still retained its richness, and while I would’ve never thought to pair it with pomegranate arils and minced celery, it worked really well. We also had a bitter greens salad, it’s the first time I’ve ever liked mizuna, the crispy polenta with it was served like a crouton and was okay but nothing spectacular. I’d never had dorado before, but it was quite good, reminding me of pork fat and beef fat in all the best ways, and the venison was like butter, and the couscous it was served with was incredibly fragrant and flavourful. The churros really are fantastic, particularly the chocolate, which rivals Jake’s pots de creme in its perfection. The mille fuelle were good, but not quite on the same level as everything else, though the presentation was great. The cocktails are quite good, and fairly average priced, $7-$8. We also really enjoyed the wine pairings, however, if you’re a fan of anything “standard,” the oaky California chardonnay, the deep dark rich Zinfandel, you’ll be disappointed, but if you like to have an adventure with your wine and are open to trying quirky ones, it’s worth trying it.

By: john

john — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:07:57 +0000

Very nice critique of H50 BUT as soon as I see the word “foam” on a menu I run very quickly in the other direction!

By: Food Dude

Food Dude — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:47:43 +0000

grapedog, it confused me too.

By: Marshall Manning

Marshall Manning — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:28:10 +0000

I thought of the old “Hawaii 50″ TV show.

“Seat ‘em, Danno!”

By: grapedog

grapedog — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:55:56 +0000

Funny, when I see “H50″ I didn’t think about “Hotel 50″ but rather some type of super hydrogenated water molecule. H20+3 Hydrogens = H50. (Ok, it’s “zero” and not the letter O, but work with me here)

Geez, am I the only chemistry geek that saw this?

By: jim

jim — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:05:11 +0000

The wine list pricing is generally quite shocking and not in the good kind of way.

By: Catherine Cole

Catherine Cole — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:36:45 +0000

Lilhuna, thanks for pointing that out. I’m eager to try them over there now.