Ascend Prime Steak and Sushi is a more recent opening in downtown Bellevue, and it is one that has been getting a lot of talk. The buzz is that the food is fantastic, but prices are extravagant. I know some people who have given them a try for these exact reasons, and others who have steered away for the same.
Working in Bellevue, it is always convenient to pop out for a lunch date with a girlfriend or the hubby, so this occasion was to celebrate a birthday! When my girlfriend suggested Ascend I was instantly like “YES!” with an afterthought like… “I wonder if I just committed myself to a $200 lunch”, haha. My friend has been a few times and explained that they actually have a new prix fixe lunch menu – three courses for $31 to which I said “hell yes!”.
The network of several elevators you have to take to find the place is a little confusing, but once you step in the view will take your breath away. I feel like I have dined everywhere in the greater Seattle area that claims to have the best view; from big ones like the Space Needle to Canlis, to other gorgeous spots such as Aqua by El Gaucho and Ray’s Boathouse on the Puget Sound. However, I was especially entranced by this one… perhaps because I am so used to Seattle views that a Bellevue perspective was refreshing… but either way, it is stunning.
We were seated at a booth with a view, and the lunch traffic was not in the slightest overwhelming. The options on the prix fixe menu were fantastic and so good that it was hard to choose. Hmmmm, I guess I will just have to come back again! Haha. They started us off with the cutest and most delicious little buns and we ordered quickly.
My menu choices were :
Starter – White Miso Chowder
Main – Kurobuta Pork Belly
Dessert – Skyfall
The Miso Chowder was fantastic. I thought the idea of a chowder with miso broth was actually fantastic for a light lunch. No heavy cream in sight here! The pork belly was also great – there was one dumpling in there with a bitter filling that threw me off a little, but I avoided them and stuck to the pork and broth and was in heaven. Also note, there is a rib eye option you can pay a little extra for if you want to do the true steak experience here.
When dining out you always want to end on a high note, and the Skyfall dessert was exactly that. If you want a dessert with a ton of substance, this might not be for you. However, if you want a dessert with a ton of flare, then hands-down, go for it! Again, my feeling is that lunch is a light meal, so this was everything I needed and more. The presentation gets a full five stars!
In all, I give Ascend a resounding YES vote, and must go back ASAP! Hubby sadly was excluded as this was a girls lunch, so I think we need to plan a date night soon.
So, have you tried Ascend in Belleuve yet? If so, what did you think? If you haven’t and price is causing you hesitation, I surely suggest this lunch prix fixe menu while it lasts!
Ascend Prime Steak and Sushi
10400 NE 4th St #3100, Bellevue, WA 98004
X.O. – Abbey Co.
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