What I Ordered

Their shrimp sando, a highly anticipated signature menu item, fell slightly short of expectations. The shrimp patty was a bit dry and the lack of sauce or complementary toppings resulted in a quite simple flavor profile. A touch of fresh ingredients like lettuce or cabbage would have added both texture and a refreshing contrast to the fried patty.

The chorizo ragu pasta was a delightful surprise, far exceeding expectations with its rich and creamy texture . At first glance it appeared to be a standard ragu pasta but the unique seasoning and ingredients set it apart. The sauce had a well-balanced blend of tomatoes and ragu without being too heavy or savory. What made the dish particularly interesting was the topping, which seemed to include perilla seeds, adding an unexpected nutty crunch to the velvety sauce. The overall flavor was somewhat reminiscent of ramen or maze soba, making it stand out from a typical ragu.

For dessert, the yuzu tiramisu was a mix of highs and lows. While it had an appealing presentation, the sweetness was overpowering and the yuzu’s citric tang, which could have added a refreshing balance, was too subtle for my liking. That said, the dessert’s rich sweetness could make it a good pairing with a dry red wine. Portion sizes at Jade & Water are generally on the smaller side, so adding a dessert or side menu to your order is a good idea to round out the meal.