5′ Restaurant in Anaheim near Disneyland – November 27th, 2003

This Fabulous Chinese-French Cuisine located in the Marriott Suites in Anaheim, Ca. is a tremendous dining pleasure.

5′ Restaurant, located at the Marriott Suites in Anaheim, Ca. only about a mile from Disneyland is a definite must visit next time you are in the area. Owner, Michael Kang, opened at this location in November 02 and his long time establishment 5′ in Laguna Beach has been going strong since 1985.

This non-traditional Chinese-French cuisine is exquisite and delicious, Head Chef, Jason Pena, brings his adventurous gourmet flare to the new establishment. His contemporary French flavor is combined with the freshness of California style. His prior experience most recently comes from being the Sous Chef at the House of Blues in W. Hollywood & Universal Studios before that.

Our dining experience started out with such appetizers as Montrachet Goat Cheese Wontons with a Raspberry Coulis. We also tried the wonderful and famous Mama Kang’s Pot stickers with a soy-ginger sauce. Not to be outdone, the stir fried Kung Pao Calamari was so tender and some the best I have ever tasted. With a hint of peppers and peanuts, this dish is not to be missa great interlude ed. From there, the minced chicken breast lettuce wraps with pine nuts were to the ever so moist and mouth watering Hoisin BBQ Prime Beef Short Ribs. One other dish on the medium portion of the menu that was very unique was the Kobe Beef Burger with grilled Maui onions. Yes, now onto the Large Plates or family sized main entrees.

The House Specialty is the crispy farm Catfish with spicy tomato-ginger sauce accompanied by leeks and cilantro. There is a great array of spectacular sushi and sashimi. Some of the popular seafood items include the Garlic-Parmesan Hawaiian Opah with ginger, Maui onions; scallion mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. Fresh Pacific Ono wokked with Chinese spices and served on a bed of Chinese noodles salad with peanut dressing. Fresh oven roasted Halibut in a Macadamia Nut crust served with sweet and sour cous cous and veggies were ever so tasty. Sake-cured Salmon and jumbo Scallops & Prawns wokked with pasta are two other favorites for seafood selections. The menu does changes every so often with other fine fish dishes depending on what is fresh and brought in.

Not in the mood for seafood, no problem. Fresh Muscovy Duck Breast with a blackberry pinot noir sauce served with gnocchi and wild mushrooms; Jasmine Tea Smoked Prime Filet Mignon with red wine Fois Gras and truffle crabmeat risotto is another way to go. How about the Colorado Lamb Shank braised in aromatic lamb jus with garlic mashed potatoes & veggies.

5′ boasts an extensive wine list and full bar so you can enjoy you r favorite beverage to accompany your meal. If there is any room left, the desserts are forthcoming. Chocolate-Chip macadamia nut crème Brule; warm apple tart with cinnamon ice cream and rum caramel sauce; and the flourless chocolate cake with white chocolate -raspberry ice cream was the few that stood out in my mind. 5′ serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The lunches and dinners especially are the way to try some of the tastiest cuisine around the area. The 5:15 lounge offers bar service from 12pm-11pm. For reservations, call 714-383-6000 or visit www.fivefeetrestaurant.com