Although my dining companion was running a bit late, I wasn't made to wait around for her as I so often find is the case at restaurants these days. Instead, I was led through the small main floor bar/ dining area out to a terrace which overlooked a covered garden.

Interior; Garden

Almost immediately, I forgot the frenzied cobblestoned streets of Ganesvoort & environs that lurked just outside. Not that it was quiet, but the sounds of traffic and the banal chatter of people who hang out in this neighborhood were replaced with the soothing melodies of bossa nova piped in from inside and the sounds of laughter from people enjoying each others' company. Windowboxes hung from the terrace railing; leaves ran up the latticed trellises lining the back wall and cool stone slabs covered the ground.

I perused the drink menu while I waited and despite quite a few obvious misspellings ("coctail", "famouse"), every last one of the drink descriptions evoked images of far away places and long ago times. I loved the leather-bound menus. Everything about 5 Ninth seemed so tactile. I even snuck off my sandals to rest my feet on the smooth, cool wooden floor.

As soon as my companion arrived, we ordered. Both of us decided to do the prix fixe restaurant week menu, 3 courses for $24.07 and offered a selection of three appetizers, three entees and two desserts to choose from.

I started with the Bacon and Egg Salad which was mixed greens with crumbled bacon in a green peppercorn vinaigrette with a soft poached egg on top while Elyse had the Wild Atlantic Salmon Crudo seasoned with chili flakes and ginger. Both were good, solid choices but nothing to write home about.

Bacon & Egg Salad; Wild Atlantic Salmon Crudo

Our entrees however, after just a few bites, had us wondering how soon we could make a return visit. Elyse had the Banh Mi Sandwich which was spicy Vietnamese pork sausage with daikon, carrot and cucumber, served with a side of shrimp chips and which she devoured in minutes. I went with the Braised Lamb Chow Fun with homemade rice noodles, long beans, Chinese black beans and one very large roasted chili on top. While there wasn't much salt, it was so flavorful with just a hint of spiciness, that it was hardly missed.

Banh Mi Sandwich with Shrimp Chips; Braised Lamb Chow Fun

Desserts didn't dissappoint either. Elyse ordered the Strawberry Semi Freddo which was served with strawberry compote and a scoop of milk chocolate ice cream; it was a bit too sweet to eat the whole thing but very refreshing on a hot afternoon. I ordered the Frangipane and Cherries which was made with almond paste and dried cherries, topped with a spoonful of fresh whipped cream and accompanied with fresh lychee and a few cherries. I ate every bite, even forgetting to offer Elyse some until I was more than half way through, and mourned when a piece fell onto the floor.

Strawberry Semi-freddo; Almond & Dried Cherry Frangipane

So the next time you find yourself ready to write off the Meatpacking District, and want some truly good asian fusion in a gorgeous, relaxing haven of a townhouse, let 5 Ninth change your mind.

5 Ninth
5 Ninth Avenue
NYC
212/ 929 9460
L, A, C, E to 8th Ave/ 14th St

Oinks: 4/5
Why Bother?: Chow Fun, Banh Mi, dessert, relaxing atmosphere
Average Setback: special prix fixe menu $24.07