If you were to open a fine dining restaurant in an off-Strip casino, you’d be faced with an array of challenges. You must entertain a revolving door of tourists and conventioneers while also giving locals a reason to come back again and again. You must cater to all tastes while offering something unique. You must balance value with showstopper attractions.
Jade Asian Kitchen & Noodles at JW Marriott Las Vegas and Rampart Casino in Summerlin finds that balance. Offering a self-described “tour of Asian cuisine,” Chef Ayoung Chang’s menu samples well-loved favorites from China, Japan and Korea.
The gorgeously appointed restaurant is large enough to offer a variety of experiences. There are teppanyaki tables, a sushi bar, a noodle bar and a traditional booze bar that opens onto a large patio with waterfall view. Even if you had the appetite of an army, it’d be impossible to fully survey the menu in one sitting, pleasing one-off travelers while giving locals more to explore.
The menu’s opening page offers some pan-Asian favorites: edamame ($5), gyoza ($9), calamari ($10), rock shrimp ($12), miso soup ($4) and a seaweed salad with avocado ($6). The chicken ssam ($10), with gochujang sauce and rectangles of deep-fried rice, is supremely satisfying.
From the Chinese menu, the spicy seafood hot pot ($27) is a standout. It will serve several people and has a rich, flavorful broth. And the staple veggie and tofu dish Buddha’s Delight ($13) will satisfy hungry vegans.
If you’re looking to impress a date, order the Troy sushi roll ($18) or the Smoking Konbu Wagyu (market price). Both dishes are served aflame. Sushi options also include specialty rolls, nigiri and sashimi.
From the robata grill, the Okinawa purple sweet potato ($7) is a delightful side. The deep purple spud is enhanced by a sweet yuzu cream cheese. For dessert opt for the crème brûlée ($8), which has a miso twist.
Overall, Jade offers approachable cuisine that’s equally great for a first date, a business dinner or an anytime meal.