At the beginning of the school year, some friends and I decided to pay a visit to the restaurant formerly known as Fate. The atmosphere of the new eatery, 905, was very similar to that of original.
The food, however, was expensive and disappointing.
So whatever happened to the unique and flavorful dishes that were once the signature of one of downtown Phoenix’s hippest joints? They went to Sens.
The former owner of Fate, Johnny Chu, opened up Sens last year and took on the position of executive chef. An unusual restaurant that serves what it describes as “Asian tapas,” Sens specializes in small, carefully-crafted foods that resemble appetizers in other restaurants.
The difference? These are better.
The dishes at Sens are as creative and colorful as the restaurant itself. Neon lights, modern art and a disc jockey evoke the atmosphere of a bar, but the restaurant is laid out in such a way that the focus seems to be on sit-down dining.
Nonetheless, I would not recommend this spot for a full dinner. As much as I loved their charcoal grilled shrimp and shu mai, it took four plates, shared with a friend at a price of $7 to $10 per plate, for me to feel like I was eating anything. Tasty, yes. Economical? Try again.
When the waiter came back I asked for the special, which came out on a beautifully-presented platter. The deep-fried yellowtail was certainly as delicious and intriguing as the other dishes, and by the time we were done I had eaten enough to get me through the night. The catch? The special was $30.
I think I’ll be eating in for a few nights.
Contact the reporter at dneligh@gmail.com
