A Second Chance For Sense

The first time I went to Sense Restaurant, I had an unpleasant experience.

Although I loved the atmosphere, which was more sophisticated bistro than desert food joint, I had a bad encounter with the food. Especially an oversaturated lemon risotto that was so sickly sweet I couldn't take more than one bite, as well as a dry, hard strawberry shortcake that tasted like a leaden biscuit circa  prairie days.

But last night for my best friend's birthday, I agreed to venture out again to give Sense a second chance. She had been going to the place frequently and told me that they were past their "just stepped out of the gate" blues. A few of my trusted foodie friends had been raving about the place as well.

A couple cool things about Sense overall:

• The menu changes based on the chef's creativity and whatever is fresh, organic and seasonal at the moment.
• The waiters are extremely knowledgeable about the menu and definitely more enthusiastic than typical wait staff in the revolving desert culinary scene. My waiter even remembered me when I ordered a Negroni and he had recalled making my last one, even though it was months ago.
• They serve a great bread basket with their signature walnut date bread and crisp, cracker breads before the meal, which comes with homemade aiolis and oil and vinegar.

I sampled a few things.

The fried garbanzo beans were surprusing al dente green chickpeas, still in their edamame-like shells, savory with a tart and smoky sea salt. Handywipes were passed around prior to receiving this appetizer because you can't eat it without your hands getting greasy.

The pea soup was delicious, creamy and rich and studded with crispy bacon bits.

The short rib sandwich was tasty, but I questioned the beautiful texture of the tender short rib meat being placed on two hard toasted pieces of the walnut date bread. The short rib flavor kind of disappeared between the overpowering toast.

A pile of sausage fettuccine was perfectly flavored and came in a pile that didn't make me overeat.

A chocolate cake dessert delivered a light and fluffy frosting with a dense flaky interior.

Overall, the experience was great. I liked the small portions and the freshness of the food. I will definitely go back to continue trying the new items made daily by an adventurous chef.