JESS’ RESTAURANT

The business’s name has remained the same, but significant changes have occurred at Jess’ Restaurant on West 41st Avenue. In early 2023 plans took shape to rebrand Jess’ which opened in January 2021. Previously a fusion restaurant, it now offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Step inside Jess’, and you will be wowed by the elegant space that marries the glamour of the early twentieth century with futuristic design. The predominantly black interior pops with bursts of blue and orange upholstered chairs paired with orange circular benches. Square black marble tables complement the Italian marble flooring. Bling is a central theme; mirrored walls reflect the light from various chandeliers, and countless Swarovski crystals are suspended from the ceiling. LED lighting with different colour choices instantly switches up the restaurant’s mood. Guests are equally impressed with the lavish washrooms; the women’s restroom features gold wall tiles, ornate mirrors, and heated toilet seats.

Jess’ first opened its doors in 2021, a difficult time for restaurants as the pandemic rolled on. General Manager Winson Ho confides, “There are always new challenges. The world has changed in such a short time with COVID, inflation, rising gas prices, supply chain issues and delivery costs.”

Jess’ rebranded to introduce diners to dishes not commonly found outside Korea.

The restaurant closed for three weeks in January 2023 to prepare for the relaunch; small renovations took place while the chefs continued to develop the menu for Dine Out Vancouver between January 20 through February 5. This was a perfect way to gather feedback and determine which dishes would earn their place on the menu.

Winson notes that the menu is still in development, and some dishes will change based on seasonal availability.

What we cook doesn’t exist in other Vancouver restaurants. People don’t expect Korean food to be presented this way.

“This cuisine is very popular in Korea and Singapore. Jess’ owner is thrilled with what is being produced. It is reminiscent of high-end restaurants in Korea.”

Jess’ signature lunch dish is Sot Bab (hot stone bowl rice). The bowl is prepared in four ways. The oyster bowl includes zucchini, daikon, carrots, garlic stems, peas and vegetable stock. The abalone and scallop bowl consists of butter, zucchini, daikon, carrots, garlic stems, peas, and vegetable stock. The beef brisket is accompanied by soy, garlic, onion, green onions, zucchini, daikon, carrots, garlic stems, peas, and egg yolk. The mushroom bowl includes truffle oil, garlic, onion, green onions, zucchini, daikon, carrots, garlic stems and peas. All bowls are served with seasonal Korean side dishes.

A little education is involved in teaching guests how to eat the hot stone rice bowl with its accompanying side dishes. It is eaten differently than a typical meal, and Jess’ friendly staff is pleased to assist.

Oysters are the stars of the show during Oyster Hour, which takes place daily between 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

The menu is organized by portion size. In addition to the lunch menu, the restaurant serves “mini” dishes all day that include freshly shucked oysters, Bbung Ti Gi (homemade rice poppers), Han Yip (arrowroot crystal crackers), Mari (seaweed roll), and Ggo Chi (Korean skewers).

The dinner menu spotlights both appetizers and entrees. Among the “small” (appetizers), you will find Gamja-Jeon (potato pancakes), Na Mul (beet salad), spicy tomato kimchi salad and Jo-Gae-Tang (Korean clam stew). “Large” (entrees) feature Eundaegu-Jjim (braised sablefish), Galbi-Jjim (coffee braised short ribs), Gooksoo (sesame noodles), Bibim Gooksoo (spicy noodles), hot stone bowl rice, and Jess’ signature Korean platter (served with stone bowl rice and seasonal side dishes).

Winson comments, “We politely decline all requests to modify any menu items to maintain the integrity of the chef and the kitchen’s combined vision. However, we have taken into consideration the nut-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free needs of our customers.”

The new menu has received an enthusiastic response.

The beef tartare and Hamachi appetizers have received much attention, especially with the chef’s Korean twist of adding cheese.

Winson says, “Families love Jess’; it is a gathering place. We are delighted to see regulars returning to try out the new menu. They missed us dearly and waited for us to roll out; we are pleased to meet their expectations. We are excited to pave the way for modern Korean cuisine. It is not an everyday restaurant, and we rely on reaching diners across Metro Vancouver to come and experience Jess’ Restaurant.”

Jess’ Restaurant

2179 W 41st Avenue Vancouver, V6M 1Z6

Phone 604-269-0103

www.jessrestaurant.ca

Story by Sarah Gordon photos by Sandra Steier and submitted. April 2023.