Another #Yelps10FirstsCLT visit today. I went into Jade just before they closed for lunch at around 2pm. When I walked in it was practically empty. But there were a few people at the bar and the hostess came right over to assist me. She was friendly and gave me a menu as I ordered. I couldn't decide between the Sesame or Teriyaki stir fry dish so I asked her which was better to help me out. Her response... "Well the Sesame is fried and Teriyaki is a sauce"....... *blank stare*...... Really? smh I got the Teriyaki Beef since I also ordered the Fried Calamari. 15 minutes later my food was ready and I headed back to the office to eat.
I started with the Calamari. They looked so delicious and crispy the way I like it and Fried Calamari is my favorite starter at any restaurant. I dipped in the Sauce and took a bite.... all I could taste was chewy bread. Upon further inspection it was either horrible Calamari or it was overcooked because inside that thick crispy coating (Which was VERY good by the way), was a super thin string of super chewy Calamari. I couldn't believe it. I'd never seen Calamari look like this, the worst yet. So basically that was a COMPLETE waste of money. I'd definitely stay away from that.
On to my lunch entree, which after the Calamari I was very skeptical of, especially since they put my egg roll directly on top of my rice, resulting in a soggy egg roll. That was disappointing, but my Teriyaki Beef was the best i've had at a restaurant. Oh my goodness, they don't need to change that recipe EVER. Not often do you go somewhere and order the Teriyaki and they actually season the meat with something other than salt as well as adding some of the best Teriyaki sauce, but they did. I could eat it all day. I'm struggling with rating this place a 4 because I really feel like a 3. I'll come back and try the Sushi which will hopefully redeem them. Though i'll definitely be returning often for the Teriyaki for lunch.