Bites Nearby: Jimmy Wan's

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. We've got a better idea. Each week, Cranberry Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

Overview: Jimmy Wan’s is a family-owned Pan-Asian restaurant with an impressive menu. The upscale atmosphere, energetic bar, attentive service and food make it appealing to a range of Cranberry diners. Young singles will feel at ease alongside couples and groups of friends of any age. This is a place for local foodies who love natural, authentic dishes.

Decor: Jimmy Wan’s is tucked in with a lot of chain restaurants, but the vibe inside is anything but cookie-cutter. The mood is chic, conveyed by an attractive staff and interior design palate, all oozing cool. With a sleek and ample bar separated from the dining area, it will suit a sexy night out for drinks or a soothing, interesting dinner date.

The Drinks: Sake lovers are in for a real treat. Specialty drinks like the Aphrodisiac and the Geisha spotlight high-end unfiltered sake with a cranberry that hangs back to let the sake be the star. You might want to finish off the sake sampling with the appropriately named Asian Kiss. Bottle service provides a nice selection of liquor from vodka to Jose Cuervo Platino and Dom Perignon.

Appetizers:  A complimentary array with the standout being Moo Shue ($15) and its fresh selection of fillings: chicken, beef, shrimp, pork, cabbage, egg, mushroom, bamboo, scallion and/or sweet bean paste, nestled in meltingly good pancakes ($4). A tangy, fresh choice that’s a little lighter is Sashimi Ceviche ($13) with super-fresh salmon, tuna, escolar white tuna, avocado and a nice splash of basil and lime.

Entrees: Jimmy Wan’s has an extensive menu with nice portions. If sushi is your thing, it’s among the best. Guests have a choice of dishes from the sky, land or sea. This is in addition to extensive versions of sushi, maki, noodles, Dim Sum and fried rice. From the sky, Salt and Pepper Chicken ($17) has a lovely texture with its flash-fried white meat, green and red pepper and Spanish onion. The land is plentiful, and Kung Pao Filet Mignon ($27) features 10oz, steak medallions, peanut, mushroom, onion, red and green pepper, scallion, ginger, chili pepper. In the sea are many choices and the Miso Chilean sea bass ($28) with a sweet miso marinade, is seared and broiled with a goat cheese salad. The Dim Sum specialist works hard to provide a savory array of authentic bites on little plates. Try the extra moist Shanghai Soup Dumplings ($8) and the Steamed Red Bean Buns ($5) for sure. 

Sides: Soup, noodle soups and salads are the side stars here. The Egg Drop is only ($3.50) and is warm and filling. Vegetable Udon ($10) is a noodle-lovers joy with super-fresh napa cabbage. The sushi and maki list is extensive, and among the more interesting choices is the Green Fuji Roll ($10). This unique roll is prepared with salmon, tuna, shrimp, cream cheese, cucumber, tobiko and seaweed seasoning.

Desserts: BANANA SPRING ROLL ($6) brown sugar, wrap, honey

Service: Get there early for happy hour, expect to wait a while on a weekend, but hang out at the cool bar. Servers and hosts are gracious, and they get it that you’re hungry.

Signature: Dish: Dim Sum

Chef: Zhen Chen

Address: 1628, Route 228, Cranberry Township

Cost: $$ to $$$ depending on drinks.