Aja Pacific Kitchen

04/25/05

Great Food, Service and Concept

by tjkretz at Citysearch

Went on opening night, expecting a wait and confusion. None it happened. The food is truly unique. Combining Asian influences and ingredients with somewhat Northwest presentation. Scallop Cigars I could eat those by themselves, Hanger steak was excellant as well, tender and cooked perfectly! Nice wine list. Staff was knowledgable on ingredients and style of menu. Great value, Hanger Steak was the most item on the menu for 19.00. If this was NW you pay 25-30 easily. NW food and service without the price. I'll definitely be back again, again, and again!!!!!!! Nice job and keep up the good work

• Pros: Food, Service, Inexpensive

04/22/05

GREAT EXPERIENCE

by nicole26 at Citysearch

Over all with the food and the service it was wounderful. My server was knowlegeable, freindly and inviting. I am not a vegetarin, but i did try the Mushroom Rague with the wasabi potato cakes, one word "Awsome". I dont live in the neiborhood and don't live to far. This is a trip that i will definitely be making again.

04/21/05

Great for Vegetarians and those who love them

by mimi33 at Citysearch

I love this place. It is hard to go out with my significant other who is vegetarian (she eats nothing with eyes). Either its a place I like but there's like one boring veggie choice so she's not happy and by definition therefore either am I if you get my drift. Or a veggie house that leaves me wanting. I enjoy the pork dish and the flat steak and she loves whatever it is she's eating; therefore I am happy. Actually I really liked her smoked tofu dish, never thought I would. Our server was friendly without that "Hi my name is Doris" nonsense. She seemed quite knowledgeable as I learned that not all tofu is the same when I asked what Ota meant, and sake can be cloudy white and drank cold. The saki is local and different from any I've had. We'll be back. I like being happy.

• Pros: food, vegetarian options, open for lunch
• Cons: a little cool inside

04/21/05

What a disaster

by scaparro at Citysearch

Awful. It was several minutes before we were even greeted, and once seated it took a while to get served. We ordered some wine and ordered dinner, and were then abandoned by the wait staff. After nearly 45 of waiting, the chef asked the waiter to find out what we had ordered -- turned out she had never put in our order, and had to ask again what we wanted. Now.........a new restaurant is going to have a learning curve. But the chef and the staff there was unconcerned that we had this terrible experience with them. The chef did not come out to apologize, and the waiter actually charged us for the two glasses of wine we had! This was embarrassing in front of my guest, and I will not be taking people there again.

• Pros: none
• Cons: poor service, indifferent

04/14/05

User review by killerduck

by killerduck at Citysearch

The place was pretty busy on the friday night that I was in attendace. The crowd made the environment rather noisy, but the food made up for the lackk of ambiance. Also, a concern: The paint or background must change, because it lacks a much-needed depth, and is too similar to pre-existing restaurant, The Dining Room. Overall, a decent value with good food and a full bar, with a nice television.

• Pros: good food, full bar, big TV
• Cons: ambiance

04/14/05

Just what I was looking for...

by portlandgentleman at Citysearch

Thank you AJA for opening your doors!!! I have been there for a business lunch and back again for a dinner date--both experiences were wonderful. Service staff is well-informed, the food visually appealing and simply delicious---they both come together effortlessly for a truly great experience. (That's why we go out isn't it??) I've had the Scallop "cigars" (dinner) and "`Thai Cobb" salad (lunch). Sampled the Korean Pork and other entrees and was amazed at the balance of flavors and textures. There is an artist in the kitchen... Before I forget, the room itself is simple quite comfortable, great art on the walls (local artist) and plenty of parking.

• Pros: Excellent Food, A Solid Value, Great "Feel"

04/10/05

Boring but may have potential

by subhumanseacow at Citysearch

Service was poor, there was no one around to seat us when we arrived, no one in sight while we were dining. Food was pretty good, a little boring. The spicy thai chicken sandwhich was good, the meatloaf sandwich was very bland. With more conscientious service and perhaps a wider menu selection I will still go for lunch but will probably pass for dinner.

• Pros: Has Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Average prices
• Cons: Poor Service, Limited Menu