The future is bright at Ja Roen Thai Sushi

Roy, I, and several members of the San Juan County Economic Development and Visitor Services, were invited to Ja-Roen Thai Sushi Restaurant for a special taste testing.
Their newest sushi chef, Tom, who has seventeen years of experience under his knife belt, introduced us to some of his specialties.
As we patiently waited, appetizers of crab rangoon and crispy egg rolls wetted our appetites.
These items have always been on the menu, and are popular favorites for all us OGs of the restaurant, and travelers.
Second course was a new salad edition, romaine lettuce with sliced grape tomatoes, radishes, shredded crab and fish roe. The dressing was savory with a rich peanut flavor, and smooth texture. While this will appear on the new menu, it can be ordered now by request.
As we continue to wait, patiently, for our sushi, let me fill you in on other changes that Ja-Roen will be undergoing.
Two additional chefs will be joining the growing staff, and while the main focus will be Thai and sushi, a few Japanese and Chinese dishes will be added as well.
I have begged owner, Waen Roll, for roast pork buns, and she has assured me that my wish will be coming true. Oh my, here comes another dish to try before the sushi, Katsudon!
Anyone who read my article about Deep fired Japanese in the May 23, 2023 San Juan Record will know exactly what I am excited about. I was so ecstatic, well, Roy said the staff began backing away and hiding all the sharp implements.
Yes, he was exaggerating, but deep-fried pork cutlet over fried rice with a sprinkle of a savory and smoky seasoning mix …order up, and you’re welcome!
Sushi time! The rice used is a mixture of Japanese and jasmine creating a creamier texture than the typical sticky rice, that can sometimes be a bit on the dry side. All sauces and condiments, including the wasabi, are house made and all have a creamy texture that coats the tongue, and enhances the taste.
Tom’s version of the California Roll contains crab and avocado with a coating of fish roe and dollop of creamy house mayonnaise.
The Tom-Tom Roll, which we helped name, has a center of avocado and cucumber, shredded crab encasing the rice, with the house mayonnaise and a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce drizzled over top.
The Avocado Train speaks for itself, with avocado inside and out of the roll, cream cheese center stage, crab and tempura flakes.
The Salmon Fire Roll puts on a show as the individual pieces of sushi roll are fire roasted, with crab and avocado.
There is a tease of what is to come on the sushi menu, but wait, there is much more.
With the new additions to staffing, Ja-Roen opens seven days a week, and now serves breakfast with an American-based menu.
Due to the unavailability of liquor licenses in Monticello, non-alcoholic beers will be offered. Reservations are being taken, for Christmas and New Year’s, so get a table booked before you miss out!
Whether you are a wielder of restaurant quality aspen wood chopsticks, or luxury style, lacquered cherry wood, do your finger exercises to be ready for sushi consuming.
Best of luck wishes to the owners and staff of Ja-Roen Thai Sushi. Thank you for being a part of our community.
Ja-Roen Thai Sushi, 380 South Main Street, Monticello, UT, 84535, (435) 587-4000, www.facebook.com/jaroenthairest

San Juan Record

49 South Main St
PO Box 879
Monticello, UT 84535

Phone: 435.587.2277
Fax: 435.587.3377
news@sjrnews.com
Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday