Ate here on a Saturday evening while visiting Hood River for my girlfriend's birthday. Was a little worried about the reviews but we had an amazing dinner. We ended up ordering five different items in the menu, three of which where specials for the night. Hanger steak with tomato butter was awesome and the gnocchi was great. My only regret is we ate so much we didn't have room for dessert! Atmosphere was great as well. We will definitely be back.
(4)
mike t.
The decor was great and the use of stylish lighting and old barn wood made a cozy atmosphere. As others have noted we went there expecting Nora's but decided to go anyway to try a new experience. In a few words: over priced, poorly plated, and awkward silent-style service. I ordered the sausage with hollandaise and added 1 poached egg ( for $15!) expecting a benedict dish. What came out was served as a sandwich but smothered in hollandaise. How does one eat that? It was tasty but was served without a side of any kind nor garnish, just a bare plated sandwich. To be fair the food was good but we will give them six months to take all the yelp suggestions to heart.
(2)
Ryan C.
I have eaten here a few times on separate trips to Hood River. This place is amazing. Currently there is nothing like this, that I have found, in this town. Fresh food, with exceptional flavor coming from a Chef who is obviously passionate about what comes from his kitchen. It boggles me to see the negative reviews. I can only figure that people miss the previous greasy spoon that was Nora's Table. That has its place but what a wonderful and special treat that Hood River now has artisanal, world class caliber food.
(5)
Tess M.
I felt like I was in Europe when I was there tonight for dinner with my sister and her hubby. I have a restrictive diet, doctor's order and I hate that most restaurants does not offer healthy fresh food. This restaurant is superb! I had the carrot and ginger soup! Perfect! Not salty! Very healthy and fresh from local farm. I also had the warm beets with I think a peach or apricot vinaigrette. So good! My refreshing drink was a ginger lemonade was very good! Not one of those super sweet lemonade that I can't drink! And you know how great ginger is for you! For the main dish, I had the grilled fish. It's a whole fish! Perfect for one person. I forgot the name of the fish but it's white fish grilled to perfection! My dessert was so delicious!! panna cotta topped with 3 thin slices of local plus. I highly recommend this restaurant!!!
(5)
Denise C.
We had a fabulous meal at Kin. Tory, our server was very helpful and gave us great hiking rec's as well! My husband had scallops which he thoroughly enjoyed. We shared two veggie dishes ...the roasted carrots with a pesto and the cauliflower...both amazing! I ordered a pork chop dish...good but a little dry. Decor is very nice. Wine bottle prices and selection very reasonable. I highly recommend!
(4)
Rebecca B.
Kin is artfully created. Roman and Amy have collaborated to make eating an experience. I feel romanced. The ambiance is soft and relaxing. The food is outrageous. Simple ingredients that show their true colors.The Baba Ganoush is so fresh with handmade flat bread. Fluffy and creamy, the flavors and atmosphere are perfectely entwined.
(5)
Jason K.
My wife and I were so impressed by the quality and thoughtfulness of this simple operation. The owner was in the kitchen with a smile on a his face the whole night, and dish after simply beautiful dish was fantastic. We ate pickled shrimp (they must be losing money on that one), a perfect salad of local greens, grilled zucchini with mint pesto, romanesco with salted anchovies, and shared a delicious hamburger. Oh wait...and the best babaganoush with homemade pita that I've ever had. My beer (can't recall the name) was something I'd never had before...Czech possibly. That was great too. So nice when you can get away from the boring slate of brews that distributers push everywhere! Anyway, we've been to Hood River before, but never for the food. Now we'd go back just for Kin. Well done.
(5)
B B.
We ate here while passing through Oregon. It was delicious. My meal was better than my guys', but he still really enjoyed it. I had the roasted cauliflower with aioli--loved it. The scallops--loved it. We split the flourless chocolate and pecan cake--eh. I've had better deserts. This is the only thing I'd say they could improve. I highly recommend. I loved both of my main dishes.
(5)
Joe E.
As big fans of Nora's, we had to jump in quickly to sample the new restaurant. So the week after opening we tried breakfast, much to our disappointment. The "meals" were a la carte without being described as such, and just as expensive as you'd find a meal. When my wife asked for a steak knife to cut her toast they explained that they were still testing out making toast. They gave her the knife, what they didn't do was replace her inedible toast. They also didn't give us catsup, saying they did not believe in that condiment. But it does exist if you believe hard enough, and um, buy it. We suspect the owners were involved in some sort of tragic childhood catsup incident. Anyway, breakfast was expensive and disappointing so we stayed away for several months. That changed last night. We wanted to give Kin another chance. Boy have they been busy redecorating. There are only 3 private tables left, one giant Viking hall style table, then benches and bar stools. Thankfully the place was empty so we got one of the 2 2 top tables. Service was quick and pleasant. We started with the raw oysters which came out with a lemon and no flavor horse radish. I looked down and asked if something was missing. No dipping sauce of any kind. I returned them only to have them arrive back a few minutes later with what was described as cocktail sauce. Rather it was tomato paste with horse radish. I ate the oysters with lemon because, well not sure why. Ok, the main courses came and they looked amazing. My wife had the goulash me the leg of lamb. The goulash was fine, not great, the leg of lamb was over cooked and had no flavor, none. Once the tzatziki sauce flavor was gone, it was like chewing my tongue. The pita, I will say, was delicious if a little too crispy. I think our disappointment was obvious because we weren't asked how our meals were or asked if we wanted dessert. I know there are several 5- star glowing reviews on Kin here that talk about the owners, etc. I'll let you draw your own conclusions. I can only surmise that we are not sophisticated enough to enjoy the bounty and subtlety that is Kin.
(2)
Chanel C.
Meh... I was heading to Nora's Table and ended up at Kin... I wish it was still Nora's. Came here for Mother's Day Brunch and was hoping for a delicious meal.. The menu was odd there was minimal breakfast options and the vibe was awkward. We had poached eggs over white beans and Pork Belly. The pork belly was good but the beans were under cooked and bland. Bloody Mary was pretty good but had a weird oily residue and no garnish... Needless to say.. They clearly have big shoes to fill and need to step it up! We will not be back :( Also, no mention or acknowledgement of Mothers Day.
(2)
Mari S.
Brunch at Kin was a delicious beginning to a weekend visit to Hood River! I ordered the turmeric tomato sauce with cream and basil, which was a surprise favorite for me -- I'm not generally a big fan of tomato sauce, but the flavors in this dish were so good that I scraped my dish clean. The sauce was so flavorful and well-balanced, and a great match with the baked eggs. I also got the bacon and date scone, which was perfectly buttery and soft on the inside, and crunchy on the outside. The sweet and savory combination of bacon and dates is brilliant -- I definitely recommend!
(5)
H B.
Not impressed at all. Scallops were incredibly fishy and salty topped with some fried "hay" that tasted of dead grass. My first bite of beet salad had dirt :( Tables way too close. Awkward eating experience.
(1)
Martine H.
Had a lovely dinner here. Sat at the bar that faces into the kitchen so we could watch the chef at work. Place has a really nice vibe with lots of wood work. Enjoyed one of their specialty cocktail concoctions that was very refreshing in the Summer heat. My friend and I shared everything we ordered. The Burrata cheese and roasted beets. Best Burrata I have had. Seared sea scallops--fresh! And a thick burger, cooked perfectly, with made from scratch condiments. The staff was friendly, and seemed genuinely invested in our having a good experience. Hopefully those that tried it early on will give it another chance, and not be disappointed. I get that people want to draw comparisons to Nora's because Kin took over that space, but it's not trying to be the same place. Nora's is gone, so better to grieve, and move on....to Kin.
(5)
Mark S.
Good Czech beer, and tasty dishes. Definitely the best steak and fries I have had. Cool interior, nice atmosphere, and friendly staff.
(5)
Leith G.
Kin is a welcome addition to a foodie town. The flavors and combination of tastes are unique and seductive. In true European style good food takes time so come with the mindset to spend the evening with good friends and not be in a hurry. Savor and enjoy
(5)
Owen T.
Went for Valentine's day but was very disappointed, overpriced with small portions and the food was nothing special, small selection of beer, went to Safeway after as we were still hungry, loved Nora's but dont like Kim.
(1)
Mara S.
Overpriced food. Undercooked beans in three of our dishes. Good ginger beer. Decent to good flavor balance. Unimpressive service. You're rolling the dice dining here. Hope they get their act together and increase their attention to detail because the place has potential. However, our $85 lunch left way too much to be desired. Left feeling disappointed and sad.
(2)
David R.
Had a delicious meal here consisting of a simple lightly dressed salad of very fresh greens, a dish of perfectly roasted cauliflower with aioli, sea scallops PERFECTLY cooked on top of crisp corn and paprika, a lamb skewer with saffron rice, and a panna cotta with fresh blackberries. Everything was delicious and the service was warm and friendly. Will go again.
(4)
Holley R.
I had the goulash and my partner had the meatballs. We we're both a little surprised at the small portions of each but to be honest, it is probably the perfect amount of food. Americans are so use to having piles and piles of food on their plate that it's a bit of a shock with you are just given the appropriate amount. Flavors were excellent. The brisket in my goulash was so tender and delicious. The sauce it was cooked in had lots of pop and complexities to it. The meatballs were good, not amazing but good. Wine was also very good, I had the pinot noir and it was delicious. We had coffee gelato for dessert and it was the perfect end note to a great dinner.
(4)
Angela V.
My husband and I have eaten at Kin a number of times. First off I think the name is creative and it fits the atmosphere. It's not a huge space, it's cozy, fairly quiet and has a family feel. Amy used a unique warm rustic decor that separates it from the rest in HR. Not only did they use local businesses and craftsman in their redecorating to note specially, they used American clay on the walls. And if you don't know about this product, look it up. I can't think of a better choice of a wall covering for a restaurant to use for the goal of a healthy inviting space.The owners, Roman and Amy both politely came out and greeted us on this moderately busy night. Kin is not a run of the mill big portion fast service joint. The wait for us was not long on this occasion, however we accept and welcome a bit longer wait for the highest quality homemade dishes in Hood River. THE FOOD IS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING and to us, worth the price. Specifically, the steak. I rarely eat red meat, I had a bite do my husbands steak...it knocked my socks off. Everything is fresh and local. We have come to know that Roman is an experienced chef who has high accolades. I've read some of the yelp reviews, and while this app has the potential power to make or break especially a new business, I'm sure that Kin will see it as a tool to work out the kinks. The owners/cook are very passionate about not only how their food tastes but all aspects of serving their "kin".
(4)
Ben E.
Hands down one of the best restaurants in Hood River. Very unique both in flavor and presentation. If you want a fine dining experience prepared by a true artist - this is the place for you. Thank you for the great experience! I look forward to our next visit.
(5)
Nicole D.
What an experience! Cacophony of flavors in each plate is what we indulged in for our anniversary dinner. Laurie, our server was super cool even though she was crazy busy. We definitely plan to come back when in Hood River.
(4)
Melinda B.
Chef Roman may I give you a few suggestions based on a very disappointing dining experience at your restaurant this evening. 1) Make sure your servers understand the wine list. Our server was unable to tell us anything about the two red wines on your menu other than that they were "good" 2) Servers should not rush diners to order food the minute they sit down especially when you are no longer serving a number of items featured on the menu 3). All diners should be served courses at the same time. One main course arrived 5 minutes before any of the other mains. Another diner's frittes arrived near the end of the meal. No acknowledgement from the server that this is kind of odd. 4) We asked for bread and were told that there was no bread but we could have toast ?!? 5) Most of the food that we ordered was really pretty good ( hamburgers, mussels) but the salmon was bland and fishy. We were big fans of Nora's Table and had high hopes for Kin but based on our experience this evening not sure that we will be back.
(2)
Rinda M.
Chef/owners Roman and Amy have just joined the community and bring a fresh organic quality menu with amazing artistic presentation that never disappoints. The dinners are lovely and delicate with amazing textures and complex flavors. The breakfasts are completely house made on to the preserves and breads. Everything is locally sourced. And it's so rewarding to have true European recipes in the Gorge. Roman's heritage and skilled training shines through a philosophy of being true to the nature of each food. Amy's hostessing is sweet and warm and gentle--it feels like coming home. I can't wait to see her redecoration ideas implemented. And I do look forward to the seasonal menu changes. Kin is an absolute must-visit Gorge venue.
(5)
Jonathan S.
Had the baked basil eggs, they were okay, but I went way hungry enough to go have breakfast elsewhere. For a place that says they source as much as possible organic, I was disappointed they did not offer organic coffee in Hood River the home of multiple Organic Coffee Roasters. Watching my food be prepared, I noticed the dairy and many other ingredients easily sourced organic, were not and I was very disappointed to see sauces prepared in aluminum pots, which is not illegal, but is known to be very toxic. They are definitely a step up from average, but still have a ways to go to be awesome.
(3)
Bill F.
Excellent meal, but . . . . We dined at Kin on Wedn Apr 8 around 6 pm; unfortunately, a group of 10-15 people (likely a private party) stood in the center of the dining room, dominating and overwhelming the space with very loud talk. (Hopefully the promised new decor will include plenty of sound-absorbing fabrics or tapestries.) If we'd known about the private party (perhaps through an explanatory note on the front door), we would have avoided that din at Kin and tried it another time. The squash ravioli and the scallops appetizer were excellent, but we were disappointed that the chef wouldn't substitute lettuce for kale in one salad and that the server (despite our request to split it) presented the salad on one plate. Also, we were very surprised that a fine dining restaurant in a fine wine producing area would not offer some of those notable local wines, such as Dominio IV, Cascade Cliffs, and The Pines. Most certainly, opening a new restaurant (especially when taking over the space of Nora's, a longtime favorite) is very challenging. Best wishes in redecorating, becoming a tad more flexible (it's Hood River, not La Rive Droite), and offering a broader (and including local) wine list.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Joe B.
Ate here on a Saturday evening while visiting Hood River for my girlfriend's birthday. Was a little worried about the reviews but we had an amazing dinner. We ended up ordering five different items in the menu, three of which where specials for the night. Hanger steak with tomato butter was awesome and the gnocchi was great. My only regret is we ate so much we didn't have room for dessert! Atmosphere was great as well. We will definitely be back.
(4)mike t.
The decor was great and the use of stylish lighting and old barn wood made a cozy atmosphere. As others have noted we went there expecting Nora's but decided to go anyway to try a new experience. In a few words: over priced, poorly plated, and awkward silent-style service. I ordered the sausage with hollandaise and added 1 poached egg ( for $15!) expecting a benedict dish. What came out was served as a sandwich but smothered in hollandaise. How does one eat that? It was tasty but was served without a side of any kind nor garnish, just a bare plated sandwich. To be fair the food was good but we will give them six months to take all the yelp suggestions to heart.
(2)Ryan C.
I have eaten here a few times on separate trips to Hood River. This place is amazing. Currently there is nothing like this, that I have found, in this town. Fresh food, with exceptional flavor coming from a Chef who is obviously passionate about what comes from his kitchen. It boggles me to see the negative reviews. I can only figure that people miss the previous greasy spoon that was Nora's Table. That has its place but what a wonderful and special treat that Hood River now has artisanal, world class caliber food.
(5)Tess M.
I felt like I was in Europe when I was there tonight for dinner with my sister and her hubby. I have a restrictive diet, doctor's order and I hate that most restaurants does not offer healthy fresh food. This restaurant is superb! I had the carrot and ginger soup! Perfect! Not salty! Very healthy and fresh from local farm. I also had the warm beets with I think a peach or apricot vinaigrette. So good! My refreshing drink was a ginger lemonade was very good! Not one of those super sweet lemonade that I can't drink! And you know how great ginger is for you! For the main dish, I had the grilled fish. It's a whole fish! Perfect for one person. I forgot the name of the fish but it's white fish grilled to perfection! My dessert was so delicious!! panna cotta topped with 3 thin slices of local plus. I highly recommend this restaurant!!!
(5)Denise C.
We had a fabulous meal at Kin. Tory, our server was very helpful and gave us great hiking rec's as well! My husband had scallops which he thoroughly enjoyed. We shared two veggie dishes ...the roasted carrots with a pesto and the cauliflower...both amazing! I ordered a pork chop dish...good but a little dry. Decor is very nice. Wine bottle prices and selection very reasonable. I highly recommend!
(4)Rebecca B.
Kin is artfully created. Roman and Amy have collaborated to make eating an experience. I feel romanced. The ambiance is soft and relaxing. The food is outrageous. Simple ingredients that show their true colors.The Baba Ganoush is so fresh with handmade flat bread. Fluffy and creamy, the flavors and atmosphere are perfectely entwined.
(5)Jason K.
My wife and I were so impressed by the quality and thoughtfulness of this simple operation. The owner was in the kitchen with a smile on a his face the whole night, and dish after simply beautiful dish was fantastic. We ate pickled shrimp (they must be losing money on that one), a perfect salad of local greens, grilled zucchini with mint pesto, romanesco with salted anchovies, and shared a delicious hamburger. Oh wait...and the best babaganoush with homemade pita that I've ever had. My beer (can't recall the name) was something I'd never had before...Czech possibly. That was great too. So nice when you can get away from the boring slate of brews that distributers push everywhere! Anyway, we've been to Hood River before, but never for the food. Now we'd go back just for Kin. Well done.
(5)B B.
We ate here while passing through Oregon. It was delicious. My meal was better than my guys', but he still really enjoyed it. I had the roasted cauliflower with aioli--loved it. The scallops--loved it. We split the flourless chocolate and pecan cake--eh. I've had better deserts. This is the only thing I'd say they could improve. I highly recommend. I loved both of my main dishes.
(5)Joe E.
As big fans of Nora's, we had to jump in quickly to sample the new restaurant. So the week after opening we tried breakfast, much to our disappointment. The "meals" were a la carte without being described as such, and just as expensive as you'd find a meal. When my wife asked for a steak knife to cut her toast they explained that they were still testing out making toast. They gave her the knife, what they didn't do was replace her inedible toast. They also didn't give us catsup, saying they did not believe in that condiment. But it does exist if you believe hard enough, and um, buy it. We suspect the owners were involved in some sort of tragic childhood catsup incident. Anyway, breakfast was expensive and disappointing so we stayed away for several months. That changed last night. We wanted to give Kin another chance. Boy have they been busy redecorating. There are only 3 private tables left, one giant Viking hall style table, then benches and bar stools. Thankfully the place was empty so we got one of the 2 2 top tables. Service was quick and pleasant. We started with the raw oysters which came out with a lemon and no flavor horse radish. I looked down and asked if something was missing. No dipping sauce of any kind. I returned them only to have them arrive back a few minutes later with what was described as cocktail sauce. Rather it was tomato paste with horse radish. I ate the oysters with lemon because, well not sure why. Ok, the main courses came and they looked amazing. My wife had the goulash me the leg of lamb. The goulash was fine, not great, the leg of lamb was over cooked and had no flavor, none. Once the tzatziki sauce flavor was gone, it was like chewing my tongue. The pita, I will say, was delicious if a little too crispy. I think our disappointment was obvious because we weren't asked how our meals were or asked if we wanted dessert. I know there are several 5- star glowing reviews on Kin here that talk about the owners, etc. I'll let you draw your own conclusions. I can only surmise that we are not sophisticated enough to enjoy the bounty and subtlety that is Kin.
(2)Chanel C.
Meh... I was heading to Nora's Table and ended up at Kin... I wish it was still Nora's. Came here for Mother's Day Brunch and was hoping for a delicious meal.. The menu was odd there was minimal breakfast options and the vibe was awkward. We had poached eggs over white beans and Pork Belly. The pork belly was good but the beans were under cooked and bland. Bloody Mary was pretty good but had a weird oily residue and no garnish... Needless to say.. They clearly have big shoes to fill and need to step it up! We will not be back :( Also, no mention or acknowledgement of Mothers Day.
(2)Mari S.
Brunch at Kin was a delicious beginning to a weekend visit to Hood River! I ordered the turmeric tomato sauce with cream and basil, which was a surprise favorite for me -- I'm not generally a big fan of tomato sauce, but the flavors in this dish were so good that I scraped my dish clean. The sauce was so flavorful and well-balanced, and a great match with the baked eggs. I also got the bacon and date scone, which was perfectly buttery and soft on the inside, and crunchy on the outside. The sweet and savory combination of bacon and dates is brilliant -- I definitely recommend!
(5)H B.
Not impressed at all. Scallops were incredibly fishy and salty topped with some fried "hay" that tasted of dead grass. My first bite of beet salad had dirt :( Tables way too close. Awkward eating experience.
(1)Martine H.
Had a lovely dinner here. Sat at the bar that faces into the kitchen so we could watch the chef at work. Place has a really nice vibe with lots of wood work. Enjoyed one of their specialty cocktail concoctions that was very refreshing in the Summer heat. My friend and I shared everything we ordered. The Burrata cheese and roasted beets. Best Burrata I have had. Seared sea scallops--fresh! And a thick burger, cooked perfectly, with made from scratch condiments. The staff was friendly, and seemed genuinely invested in our having a good experience. Hopefully those that tried it early on will give it another chance, and not be disappointed. I get that people want to draw comparisons to Nora's because Kin took over that space, but it's not trying to be the same place. Nora's is gone, so better to grieve, and move on....to Kin.
(5)Mark S.
Good Czech beer, and tasty dishes. Definitely the best steak and fries I have had. Cool interior, nice atmosphere, and friendly staff.
(5)Leith G.
Kin is a welcome addition to a foodie town. The flavors and combination of tastes are unique and seductive. In true European style good food takes time so come with the mindset to spend the evening with good friends and not be in a hurry. Savor and enjoy
(5)Owen T.
Went for Valentine's day but was very disappointed, overpriced with small portions and the food was nothing special, small selection of beer, went to Safeway after as we were still hungry, loved Nora's but dont like Kim.
(1)Mara S.
Overpriced food. Undercooked beans in three of our dishes. Good ginger beer. Decent to good flavor balance. Unimpressive service. You're rolling the dice dining here. Hope they get their act together and increase their attention to detail because the place has potential. However, our $85 lunch left way too much to be desired. Left feeling disappointed and sad.
(2)David R.
Had a delicious meal here consisting of a simple lightly dressed salad of very fresh greens, a dish of perfectly roasted cauliflower with aioli, sea scallops PERFECTLY cooked on top of crisp corn and paprika, a lamb skewer with saffron rice, and a panna cotta with fresh blackberries. Everything was delicious and the service was warm and friendly. Will go again.
(4)Holley R.
I had the goulash and my partner had the meatballs. We we're both a little surprised at the small portions of each but to be honest, it is probably the perfect amount of food. Americans are so use to having piles and piles of food on their plate that it's a bit of a shock with you are just given the appropriate amount. Flavors were excellent. The brisket in my goulash was so tender and delicious. The sauce it was cooked in had lots of pop and complexities to it. The meatballs were good, not amazing but good. Wine was also very good, I had the pinot noir and it was delicious. We had coffee gelato for dessert and it was the perfect end note to a great dinner.
(4)Angela V.
My husband and I have eaten at Kin a number of times. First off I think the name is creative and it fits the atmosphere. It's not a huge space, it's cozy, fairly quiet and has a family feel. Amy used a unique warm rustic decor that separates it from the rest in HR. Not only did they use local businesses and craftsman in their redecorating to note specially, they used American clay on the walls. And if you don't know about this product, look it up. I can't think of a better choice of a wall covering for a restaurant to use for the goal of a healthy inviting space.The owners, Roman and Amy both politely came out and greeted us on this moderately busy night. Kin is not a run of the mill big portion fast service joint. The wait for us was not long on this occasion, however we accept and welcome a bit longer wait for the highest quality homemade dishes in Hood River. THE FOOD IS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING and to us, worth the price. Specifically, the steak. I rarely eat red meat, I had a bite do my husbands steak...it knocked my socks off. Everything is fresh and local. We have come to know that Roman is an experienced chef who has high accolades. I've read some of the yelp reviews, and while this app has the potential power to make or break especially a new business, I'm sure that Kin will see it as a tool to work out the kinks. The owners/cook are very passionate about not only how their food tastes but all aspects of serving their "kin".
(4)Ben E.
Hands down one of the best restaurants in Hood River. Very unique both in flavor and presentation. If you want a fine dining experience prepared by a true artist - this is the place for you. Thank you for the great experience! I look forward to our next visit.
(5)Nicole D.
What an experience! Cacophony of flavors in each plate is what we indulged in for our anniversary dinner. Laurie, our server was super cool even though she was crazy busy. We definitely plan to come back when in Hood River.
(4)Melinda B.
Chef Roman may I give you a few suggestions based on a very disappointing dining experience at your restaurant this evening. 1) Make sure your servers understand the wine list. Our server was unable to tell us anything about the two red wines on your menu other than that they were "good" 2) Servers should not rush diners to order food the minute they sit down especially when you are no longer serving a number of items featured on the menu 3). All diners should be served courses at the same time. One main course arrived 5 minutes before any of the other mains. Another diner's frittes arrived near the end of the meal. No acknowledgement from the server that this is kind of odd. 4) We asked for bread and were told that there was no bread but we could have toast ?!? 5) Most of the food that we ordered was really pretty good ( hamburgers, mussels) but the salmon was bland and fishy. We were big fans of Nora's Table and had high hopes for Kin but based on our experience this evening not sure that we will be back.
(2)Rinda M.
Chef/owners Roman and Amy have just joined the community and bring a fresh organic quality menu with amazing artistic presentation that never disappoints. The dinners are lovely and delicate with amazing textures and complex flavors. The breakfasts are completely house made on to the preserves and breads. Everything is locally sourced. And it's so rewarding to have true European recipes in the Gorge. Roman's heritage and skilled training shines through a philosophy of being true to the nature of each food. Amy's hostessing is sweet and warm and gentle--it feels like coming home. I can't wait to see her redecoration ideas implemented. And I do look forward to the seasonal menu changes. Kin is an absolute must-visit Gorge venue.
(5)Jonathan S.
Had the baked basil eggs, they were okay, but I went way hungry enough to go have breakfast elsewhere. For a place that says they source as much as possible organic, I was disappointed they did not offer organic coffee in Hood River the home of multiple Organic Coffee Roasters. Watching my food be prepared, I noticed the dairy and many other ingredients easily sourced organic, were not and I was very disappointed to see sauces prepared in aluminum pots, which is not illegal, but is known to be very toxic. They are definitely a step up from average, but still have a ways to go to be awesome.
(3)Bill F.
Excellent meal, but . . . . We dined at Kin on Wedn Apr 8 around 6 pm; unfortunately, a group of 10-15 people (likely a private party) stood in the center of the dining room, dominating and overwhelming the space with very loud talk. (Hopefully the promised new decor will include plenty of sound-absorbing fabrics or tapestries.) If we'd known about the private party (perhaps through an explanatory note on the front door), we would have avoided that din at Kin and tried it another time. The squash ravioli and the scallops appetizer were excellent, but we were disappointed that the chef wouldn't substitute lettuce for kale in one salad and that the server (despite our request to split it) presented the salad on one plate. Also, we were very surprised that a fine dining restaurant in a fine wine producing area would not offer some of those notable local wines, such as Dominio IV, Cascade Cliffs, and The Pines. Most certainly, opening a new restaurant (especially when taking over the space of Nora's, a longtime favorite) is very challenging. Best wishes in redecorating, becoming a tad more flexible (it's Hood River, not La Rive Droite), and offering a broader (and including local) wine list.
(3)