Jade Island

Back in March I took a ride on the Staten Island Ferry and ended up at Steiny’s bar. I had a good time that night and I’ve decided to repeat the experience. But tonight there’s a different destination once we get to Staten Island. After I put up that post, The Duncester sent me a video of Anthony Bourdain and David Johansen eating and drinking at Staten Island’s only tiki bar, Jade Island, which has been in business since 1972. After I watched that video, I knew I had to go check that place out and tonight’s the night, to quote Neil Young!

Here we are at the Staten Island Ferry. It still amazes me that this ferry ride is free and there's beer to be had on board.

There's a big crowd waiting, which is good, it means the ferry should be here at any minute.

It's 7:32PM, do you know where your ferry is?

Well I know where my ferry is, it's just landed at the dock.

All aboard!

The first stop was the snack bar for a much needed beer and bag of popcorn.

My view from the snack bar. I was able to squeeze in one more beer before we got to Staten Island.

By the time we docked in Staten Island, darkness had fallen on the city.

Welcome to Staten Island!

Jade Island isn't within walking distance, so it's off to the taxi stand for a ride.

Here's the captain of the taxi stand, John. He smiled when I told him I was going to Jade Island and said I was in for a real treat. Then he motioned for a taxi.

And here we are in the taxi.

Checking his GPS or updating his facebook status? You make the call!

And we're off. The driver said it wouldn't take long to get there.

He wasn't lying, here we are already!

Jade Island is open, let's go check it out.

Here's the lobby in all its tiki glory.

A golden Buddha sits on a table next to the menu.

There's a waterfall and flowers behind the Buddha giving the place a real island-like feel.

And most importantly, here's the bar. The tiki lamps hanging overhead bathe the bar in a magenta hue.

A menu is placed in front of me...

And before I think about food, I need a drink. You can't drink beer in a tiki bar, so I decided to go with a Zombie.

Bartender Johnny serves up the Zombie with a smile. He's a nice guy and a great bartender.

The view from my perch at the bar.

Staten Island native, John was seated next to me at the bar. He told me he's a regular at Jade Island as I realized everyone I had met so far tonight is named, "John." I started to feel like a hooker, albeit a Happy Hooker as the potent Zombie was kicking in already. Johnny pours a mighty stiff drink!

There's a large dining room situated behind the bar.

Bamboo booths line the walls which feature Hawaiian back-lit images.

Tiki lamps hang from the ceiling, adding to the island feel in here.

When I returned to the bar, my appetizer had arrived. I got the boneless spare ribs and it came with hot Chinese mustard and sweet and sour dipping sauce. I couldn't believe how big the portion is for an appetizer. This could've been the whole meal!

Despite the huge size of the portion, I sailed through it rather quickly. Great spare ribs! Time for another Zombie!

Frank and Kathleen sat next to me at the bar. They too are regulars here and said Jade Island is one of the best places on Staten Island.

And here's the main course...

The Jade Island Love Nest. It's got shrimp, lobster, pork, mushrooms and a variety of vegetables in a sauce housed in an edible birds nest. Very delicious, but needless to say, after that appetizer I took a good portion of it home with me!

And before I called for a cab back to the ferry, Johnny gave me a special drink on the house. I'm not sure what it was, but it was quite potent and I had a nice nap on the ferry ride back to Manhattan. If you're ever in Staten Island, you need to check out Jade Island for a great meal and potent drinks. Just make sure you've got aspirin for the next morning! Thanks to the Duncester for tipping me off about this place!

Staten Island Ferry
4 South St. (@Whitehall St.)
718-727-2508

Jade Island
2845 Richmond Ave.
Staten Island
718-761-8080

Further Reading: Humu Kon Tiki, Tiki Central and Lost City.

Thank God the tiki bar is open.

Surprise link, click on it...I dare you!

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A New Novel From Mykola Mick Dementiuk!

TWM reader, commenter and author, Mykola Mick Dementiuk had a new novel entitled, "The Facialist" out and he sent me an advance copy over the weekend. I haven't read it yet, but I guarantee it's a good read about the days when New York was down and dirty and filled with excitement! You can check out the book and buy it here and here. Thanks for the book Mick, I'm going to read it this week!

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Bonus Cartoon From Jaws!

Jaws the Cabbie sent in this Zombie cartoon to go along with what I had to drink at Jade Island. Ha ha ha! Nice work, Jaws, thanks!