Nine05...

we were huge fans of Fate, which occupied this space before it was Nine05. we were hesitant to try Nine05 because we love johnny chu's old restaurant Fate and his new restaurant Sens. but we were craving some quality, local asian fusion cuisine.

after much deliberation, we decided to try Nine05. the decor was still beautiful, stark white tables with white and green chairs. the ambience was still hip and funky with amazing art, still adorning the aged brick walls.

but that's where the good stuff ends...

we picked up the menu to find out that the cheapest entree was $13. not that we were expecting inexpensive food, but $10+ appetizers and $18+ entrees, were a bit of sticker shock. i was very happy to see the iced chai tea...but was EXTREMELY disappointed to get a glass full of ice and milk, with a splash of chai.

but dinner had to be better right?! wrong. i ordered the pork belly fried rice with pineapple and my wife ordered the coconut shrimp...two things about the shrimp. the pieces were the size of peas and the coconut was barely present. but there was cilantro! wait, cilantro?! yep, it didn't mix well in either dish. the pork belly fried rice was under salted and over spiced. my tastebuds were screaming at me after 2 bites and we love spicy food. but the worst thing was that when you order a meal with things like pineapple, coconut or shrimp you want to taste those ingredients and honestly we could not taste any of these items as they were so over powered by the peppers.

okee dokee, so out of 5 sporks, we give this one 2. the ambience is cool and trendy for the arts district it is in, but the food is missing flavor and quality.

Nine05

905 north 4th street

(se corner of roosevelt and 4th street)

phoenix, az 85004