New in Rittenhouse: Jane G's
The stylish Asian opened this week at 1930 Chestnut St.
Since Susanna Foo went the way of a Chipotle, Rittenhouse has lacked a high-style, business/date-appropriate Asian option.
Enter the polished Jane G's, which opened this week at 1930 Chestnut St. (215-563-8800), the corner of 20th Street. (This baby has been in the works since September 2010.)
Jane G is Jane Guo, who used to own Noodle Heaven on Broad Street. She has Noodle Panda restaurants in Pottstown and Reading.
The dining room, overseen by Guo's son Jackson Fu, has a quasi-open kitchen - that is, it is open behind glass. A long counter is set up in front of what will be a raw bar. That is next to the drinking bar, which is up and running because the liquor license is in hand. The 10-seat private table in the window, behind carved dragons, has the makings of a power perch.
Chef Michael Chan's menu is not a simple collection of rice and noodle-based dishes, though a few are available. Apps and small plates include such curiosities as turkey edamame with truffle dumpling and Tibetan lamb kebab. Dinner entree prices range from $18 for grilled salmon in green curry sauce to seafood bouillabaisse with lobster ravioli at $38. Desserts include cheesecake with white chocolate and rose mascarpone, finished with a sweet basil reduction and topped with hibiscus; fried profiteroles served with honey plum sake, and vanilla ginger anglaise dipping sauces; chocolate mousse; lemon rice cups; and pot de crème with a brownie crust, cinnamon whipped cream, and raspberry coulis.
Chan and assistant general manager Warren Rice worked together at Shangri-La in Devon.
It's open for lunch Monday to Saturday, dinner nightly; Sunday brunch is on the way.