Five p.m. is early for such an epic dinner, but you're going to have to beat the crowds if you want a coveted seat by the majestic koi pond.
By 6:30, the tables at Jade Eatery & Lounge in Hicksville are filling up with large parties and date night couples, so you may be pushed over toward the 20-foot-tall Buddha statue at the front of the room. The golden effigy may give off relaxing vibe, but there's something magical about snacking on candied lotus roots next to the bubbling water and shiny fish moving toward your fingers in hopes you'll send them a nibble. Owner Arun Kumar has spared no expense in the décor for his second restaurant, which he worked on for a year and a half.
The first location is in Forest Hills, Queens. A koi pond and Buddha sculptures at Jade in Hicksville. Credit: Newsday/Andi Berlin Tucked into a nondescript strip mall in Hicksville with its too-small sign out front, the place looks like nothing from the street.
But inside, Jade pulls off a glitzy Vegas experience with impressively on point food from chef Sonam Sherpa. There's a full bar with boozy fruit cocktails, and yet, it's also certified halal. The next surprise of the evening happens when opening the menu to discover it's actually a case holding a mini tablet that pops up with spinning videos of dishes.
There are so many categories — and categories within categories — that it takes a few minutes just to get through all the options ...
which span from tacos to Chinese, Indian and sushi. Ini.
