On the Menu -- 5 North

The much-anticipated 5 North restaurant on Yakima's Front Street (formerly the Greystone) opened last month. Now owned by Brad Masset of Birchfield Manor fame, the restaurant bills itself as a "metropolitan kitchen and lounge."

The service is spot-on, and that includes Tracy Ault, who's back behind the bar after spending several years at Gasperetti's. 5 North has a menu comprised of small plates, larger dinner fare and some snazzy specialty drinks. I love it already (and have already been three times). Here are a couple of my recommendations:

APPETIZER/COCKTAIL

To eat: Try the bowl of root vegetable chips -- think purple potato, parsnip, yam and rutabaga -- for $4. The chips are crispy, colorful and a nice departure from the run-of-the-mill russet potato chip. You also can't beat a $4 appetizer.

To drink: The lavender sapphire collins ($11), made with lavender dry soda. My friend remarked that "it tastes like I'm at the spa."

SALAD

The chickpea salad is delightful, dressed with a bright lemon, mint, fresh herb and sweet onion vinaigrette ($10). I find this salad best when served just slightly chilled. The flavors sing.

MAIN COURSE

I don't typically eat lamb, but the Martinez Farms lamb burger ($15) is worth an exception. The burger is amazingly juicy, topped with sharp Cougar Gold cheese and "state fair" relish. The bun is sweet brioche. And on the side are "sexy fries." What makes the fries sexy? Garlic, parmesan and ... wait for it ... truffle oil. Yum.

DESSERT

Desserts can change from time to time, but my favorite during my visits has been the apple cake with bourbon sauce ($8). Warm and melty and everything that is right and good about dessert. And the apples make it healthy, right?

5 North

5 N. Front St., Yakima

Phone: 509-248-9801

Hours: Tuesdays-Saturdays; lounge opens at 4 p.m., dining room at 5 p.m. Reservations for parties of eight or more.