Don’t miss this hidden gem filled with delicious bites and Tiki cocktails inside Rampart Casino
Tucked away inside Rampart Casino, Jade Asian Kitchen and Noodles unveiled their secret menu at a private media tasting event on May 11. A long table was set with jade plates, folded cloth napkins and a pair of light-up chopsticks colored orange or green. The chopsticks—which were not unlike mini lightsabers in appearance—added a playful touch to the experience.
The secret menu was curated by Chef Henry Tran. The culinarian impressed General Manager, Phillip Alcala, so much in his audition that he insisted on him dreaming up his own secret menu. Tran’s latest tasting experience did not disappoint.
A Serene Dining Scene
The dimly lit dining area was furnished with sleek, modern decor inspired by Asian culture. Guests sat at a long marble table near the entrance. At the end of the table, there was a sushi station where invitees could see fresh sushi rolls plated. Its spacious layout and high ceilings made the venue very open and inviting.
In the next room over, natural light spilled through large windows into a bar and patio area. TV screens at the bar aired sports games for guests to watch while enjoying a drink. The patio included a serene waterfall, which mirrored the restaurant’s calming ambiance.
The casual Asian eatery was equipped for a number of gatherings. From parties to date nights, the restaurant exuded a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
Request a Secret Menu
Each secret menu was printed with (For Your Eyes Only) at the top, but we are about to break that rule right now. They told Off The Strip that Jade’s secret menu is only given to guests by request. This begs the question of how many other local eateries may offer secret menus that patrons miss because they don’t ask. When you dine at Jade, don’t forget to request one.
For this tasting event, the selection included a variety of seafood options, a rice dish, a noodle dish, cocktails and dessert.
First, guests were served a lobster with ginger and scallions. The crustacean’s head was still intact, which made its presentation a standout. Lobster lovers won’t want to pass up this dish.
The next seafood dish was the pan fried sea bass served with a side of the house sauce. The house sauce was a combination of soy, dry shrimp scallop, cilantro, ginger and garlic. Although it was a fried dish, it was not greasy or heavy. The batter was light, flaky and well seasoned.
Another fried seafood item served was the spicy shrimp with a side of Jade spicy sauce. Each bite was balanced with just the right amount of heat.
Additionally, they served a whole fish (sole) seasoned with salt and pepper, which was all it needed to accent the whole fish’s fresh and natural flavor.
What about the rice and noodles? To satisfy these cravings, they served pork with udon noodles made with minced pork, shrimp and garlic over a bed of udon noodles. They also offered a Lapchong fried rice with Chinese sausage and asparagus. Served family style, there was plenty to go around for a large group.
Sip on Tiki Cocktails
Along with the secret items, the eatery also introduced two new libations, Under the C and Coconut Mojito. Unlike the ever-changing secret offerings, these Tiki cocktails will stay on the menu.
Under the C was a mixed drink with Rumhaven Coconut Rum, pineapple juice, a dash of grenadine and ginger beer garnished with a grapefruit twist and cherry. Poured into a tall mermaid Tiki souvenir glass, guests may take home this unique treasure.
Keep the tropical flavors coming with the Coconut Mojito. This refreshing sip consisted of Rumhaven Coconut Rum, mint and blood orange. Mixed together, the ingredients created a sweet concoction that turned a vibrant magenta.
Both adult bevvies were photogenic and added a whimsical touch to the fine dining ambiance. This was a pleasant and unexpected addition to the menu.
Local Tip: Jade offers two Happy Hour specials on Wednesday through Sunday. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., guests may indulge in their $5 Happy Hour deals, which include select beer, wine, sake and food dishes. For the night owls, check out their late night Happy Hour from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. offering an assortment of cocktails starting at $8.
Save Room For Dessert
The tasting experience wouldn’t be complete without a dessert. Ending on a sweet note, the tasting included the Jade trio. This dessert dish was delivered on a long plate with three different bites: Matcha Crème Brûlee, red bean cheesecake and three mochi flavors, mango, green tea and red bean.
Each treat possessed just the right amount of confectionary flavors to satiate a sweet tooth. I brought home a slice of the cheesecake for my grandmother and it was so scrumptious that she couldn’t stop talking about it.
Although the secret menu will change regularly based on Chef Henry Tran’s creativity, this is a glimpse of what a secret menu looks like at Jade. For foodies with adventurous appetites, this tasting experience can’t be missed. The price range is between $55 to $120.
In Summerlin, Rampart Casino is located at 221 North Rampart Boulevard. Jade Asian Kitchen and Noodles is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. For Teppanyaki, make a reservation.
