Calm your CRAVING for Japanese Food
JUMBO SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Up and down the main thoroughfare in South Abington Township, PA, travelers will find a mix of palate-pleasers for practically every taste bud.
One week ago, my friend, Maura and I decided to take a break from our usual lunch spot. We met for lunch at Jumbo Seafood Restaurant, a comparatively new addition to the Japanese food scene in the Abingtons.
Whether you’re driving through Clarks Summit on your way home from work or you’ve decided to take a travel break, Jumbo Seafood is less than a half-mile from the Clarks Summit exit at 918 Northern Blvd. (Rt. 6 and 11). Extraordinary food and service is an irresistible combination and Jumbo Seafood Restaurant offers both to anyone with a taste for Japanese-style food. In fact, I was so pleased with the “Bento Box,” Jumbo’s flavors beckoned me to return this week for a late lunch.
What is a “Bento Box?” It’s a compartmentalized box (sometimes lacquered) with a section for meat, fish, chicken, or shellfish; rice, sushi, shumai, pickled vegetables, and condiments. Servings are rather small in comparison to typical American portions but if you have a hearty appetite, don’t worry your belly will be satisfied.
When I opt for a Teriyaki sauce, I’m typically pining for a non-dessert that will numb my sweet tooth. This week, I was hankering for an equally traditional saltier salmon so I asked my server (co-owner, Jolin Chen) to hold the sauce. Salted and grilled is one of the most popular ways the Japanese prepare a variety of fish (http://www.otakufood.com/salted-salmon-shiozake) and the chef and co-owner, Qin (Tim) Chen must have known exactly what I was craving. As I finished the salad with a dollop of ginger dressing, my lunch arrived with the two modest strips of salmon filet artfully presented atop a bed of crisp, lightly sauteed asparagus, carrot slices, broccoli, snow peas, and onions. In addition to the salmon, I found six sushi rolls, three Shumai, a cup of white rice, wasabi, and pickled ginger. While all but the Shumai are staples of Japanese meals, Qin offers traditional food but he adds his own flair.
Before making a reservation at a Japanese restaurant, you can learn more about the cuisine by clicking here.
If you’re not accustomed to eating salted food, you might want to request “light on the salt.” There are reasons why Japanese food is characterized as “salty.” Not only does it lend a crispier texture, the white crystalline substance has long been used as a preservative. Visit this site for a more detailed explanation.
Jolin and Qin also cater to patrons with special diets. Diners with a gluten sensitivity can opt for gluten-free soy sauce and pasta. You can choose from brown or white rice. Access the full menu here.
Jumbo Seafood Restaurant is best described as relaxed, casual dining. You won’t feel rushed and if your schedule allows you the extra time, savor every bite. Begin your meal with sushi and sashimi or order a round of appetizers. The restaurant is BYOB but you can make a quick stop to pick up a bottle of wine before dinner at Weis Market, Gerrity’s Supermarket, or the Fine Wine & Good Spirits.
Lunch is served Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If you prefer to order ahead or take out, call 570-586-5920. Party platters are also available.
