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New York City is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and within it lies the borough of Staten Island. Staten Island is the southernmost borough of New York City and is connected to the rest of the city via the Staten Island Ferry. While the other boroughs are more comparatively well-known, Staten Island has its own unique charm and culture that make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city.
For one, Staten Island is home to many dining establishments that offer diverse and delicious cuisine. From classic Italian restaurants to trendy cafes and bars, you’ll find a wide range of dining options on Staten Island. One establishment that stands out is Jade Island, which serves American-Chinese cuisine with a hint of Polynesian flavors. It is located in a typical suburban strip mall and is cherished by regular customers who consider it their go-to place.
Dining at the Jade
When guests sit, they are welcomed with crunchy wonton chips and a spicy sauce that can clear out sinuses. The restaurant is quiet except for the clinking of cutlery and the calming sound of an indoor fountain. The white tablecloths and carpeted floors emphasize the classic atmosphere, and the reasonable prices make it feel like a trip to the past. Aside from being a restaurant, the Jade is also a cocktail lounge famous for its intricate tiki cocktails. The establishment is known for its sugary drinks, which taste best when paired with a pu pu platter.
Pu pu platters were a popular dish during the tiki cocktail craze in the 1950s. They are an appetizer consisting of bite-size snacks such as egg rolls, rumaki, and battered shrimp, served on a flaming platter. Despite their Polynesian name, pu pu platters were once found on every American-Chinese menu in the country. Jade Island is one of the few remaining restaurants in New York City to serve this classic dish still. The highlight of the pu pu platter at Jade Island is the spareribs, which taste best when grilled over an open flame. The sizzling sound that comes from the grilling process adds to the experience. The shrimp toast is another delicious item on the platter, which will leave a greasy mess with every bite.
Jade Island serves various food inspired by Polynesian cuisine, but they also have traditional American-Chinese dishes. One of their popular dishes is wonton soup, which is filled with delicious shrimp and pork. They also have extravagant dishes like mixed seafood in a crispy taro bowl.
Like most American-Chinese restaurants, Jade Island has a lunch special available between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It includes popular dishes like beef with broccoli, General Tso’s chicken, egg foo young, and shrimp in garlic sauce. Each dish comes with a generous serving of roast pork fried rice. The prices vary depending on the food; appetizers range from $3.15 to $35, while entrees range from $8 to $38.
The Service
The remarkable thing about this place is the excellent customer service. If they arrive during a quiet time, guests can expect the dining area to be full of families loyal to this strip-mall restaurant for years, addressing the servers by their first names. The servers are attentive and friendly, ensuring orders are taken promptly, and drinks are refilled. They also go out of their way to accommodate special requests and ensure guests have an enjoyable dining experience.
The Ambiance
The interior of Jade Island is decorated with traditional Chinese elements like intricate wood carvings. The dim lighting and soft music create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a date night or a family dinner. The restaurant can get busy during peak hours, so making a reservation or coming early is recommended to avoid waiting.
Restaurant Information
Information for the restaurant is as follows:
- Address: 2845 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, N.Y. 10314
- Hours: Tues-Thu 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Reservations by phone, takeout, and third-party delivery are available.
Conclusion
Jade Island is a unique dining destination combining Chinese, Polynesian, and tiki bar cuisine elements. While it may not fit neatly into one specific category, the experience of dining at Jade Island is worth the effort of traveling over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. If you dine at the Jade, you can expect a unique ambiance, friendly service, and a diverse menu with something for everyone.
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