Thursday, Sep. 03, 2009
Fusing Asian Cuisines for Best of Three Worlds
Jay's Asian Fusion
Sushi and sashimi are fresh and tasty at Jay's Asian Fusion. ŠPhoto by Becky Billingsly.
SETTING THE TABLE
The Longs area of Horry County, which is a couple-three miles west of North Myrtle Beach, is becoming one of the area's hottest restaurant development spots. All those people moving into the many brand-new subdivisions are a prime market for everything from meat-and-three diners and throw-down Southern gourmet to fine Italian cuisine and Asian fusion.
Jay's Asian Fusion is what experienced restaurateur, Jay Lin, and his brother, Eric Lin, brought to Parkway Plaza, which is a sprawling maze of several strip malls along S.C. 9, just west of the intersection with S.C. 57.
The décor is sleek with glossy lacquered tables, a mélange of wood types from rich cherry to sylvan oak, and Asian objects d' art displayed with orderly finesse. The main dining room has a seven-seat sushi bar, about as many four-person booths and a couple of two-tops near the front door. A side room is perfect for large groups, and area social and service clubs often have lunch or dinner meetings in there.
DOWN THE HATCH
The fusion comes into play with an extensive menu with Japanese, Chinese and Thai specialties. With such a vast array of dishes and since the chefs have so much experience in the three distinct cuisines, the result is many house specialties that draw on the best aspects of all three countries' foods.
That's not to say there are not purely Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes, because there are many. Many many many.
The Japanese menu lists dozens of traditional sushi roll favorites such as Spicy Tuna Roll, Philadelphia Roll (with smoked salmon and cream cheese), Eel and Avocado Roll and Cucumber Roll. But we also get the "Fusion Special Roll" list with the DVD Roll (shrimp tempura, avocado and cucumber topped with spicy tuna); the Orange Dragon Roll (salmon outside and spicy salmon roll inside); and Sex on the Beach (cooked salmon, crunchy spicy kani and avocado wrapped in soy bean paper).
Also on the Japanese menu are sashimi and appetizers such as Fried Tofu, Negima (scallions rolled in beef), Gyoza and Shumai (dumplings). There are hibachi meals, tempura, soups, salads (baby octopus anyone?) and lunchtime Bento Boxes that cost $8 to $10, where entrees such as Beef Teriyaki come with miso soup, salad, California Roll and the appetizer of the day.
The number of Thai choices is worthy of any standalone Thai restaurant. Photos inset on the menu help customers decide between Tung Thonh (crispy fried dumplings), Spring Rolls, Summer Rolls, Pad Kee Mao (basil noodles), Singapore Rice Noodles, Mango Salad (with spicy chili dressing), Fresh Garlic Chicken, Duck Panang with Curry Sauce, Drunken Salmon and Masaman Curry.
And those are just a small fraction of the options.
The Chinese portion of the menu is the briefest, with a handful of lunch specials including Sesame Chicken and General Tso's Chicken, a couple of egg rolls and a few soups, and eight time-honored entrees such as Orange Chicken and Mongolian Beef.
Where the Chinese offerings stand out are in the Chef's Specialties, including Crispy Prawn with Walnut, Crispy Shrimp and Scallops Szechuan Style, and Jay's Ying Ying Steak where broiled prime sirloin steak is mixed with fresh vegetables in a "heavenly" sauce.
I've eaten here several times and liked everything I tried, from a unique Southern Sweet Potato Roll and choice sashimi that blended sweet, savory and salty sensations. Service is always prompt and unobtrusive.
CHECK, PLEASE
Even though I live 20 miles away, I'm practically a regular at Jay's. There's always an interesting new sushi roll to try, or a tempting value-added special to check out.
One offer is from 4-6 p.m. daily for people who dine in the restaurant. Diners can pick two entrees from a select list, including Chicken Broccoli, Shrimp Broccoli, Beef Broccoli, General Tso Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken, Shrimp Lo Mein, Teriyaki Chicken, Pad Thai with chicken, Mango Chicken and Basil Noodles. The meals come with two soups, two salads and rice, and the price is $16.99.
Jay's Asian Fusion is at 2126 S.C. 9, Longs, and the number is 399-9988. It's open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, until 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and from noon to 10 p.m. Sundays.
Becky Billingsley serves daily restaurant news at www.MyrtleBeachRestaurantNews.com.
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