Track #4 (of 5): Jade Promenade @Chinatown
It’s said in Chinese culture that “gold has a price; jade is priceless.” (Image: Vegas 411)
Right now, there’s a significant buzz building about the forthcoming two-story Jade Promenade. That’s the 73,000-square foot property across the road from the Center at Spring Mountain plaza. It’s been billed as a “new destination for dining, shopping, and culture,” with the project’s developer hoping to break ground by the end of this year. Of course, everyone wants new businesses to thrive, but hopefully not at the expense of squeezing out the long-running establishments.
That said, how amazing it’s been to watch Chinatown grow and flourish during the six years I’ve lived here. As I will tell anyone who asks, it’s one of the most dazzling culinary destinations in the world, covering three square miles. Many of the nearly 250 restaurants—mainly Asian and including French, Argentinian, Indian, and more international cuisines—are located on and around Spring Mountain Rd. Suffice it to say that my needs are more than met in this area west of The Strip.
Out of towners have frequently asked me if Chinatown is walkable. Some of it most definitely is, but perhaps not when the desert sun is turned on at full blast. Explore the above-mentioned Center At Spring Mountain (home to the Golden Tiki) and then head across Wynn Rd to the adjacent Chinatown Plaza (Xiao Long Dumplings) that was built in 1995. From there, thanks to a new signalized mid-block crosswalk, you can safely (with caution) access the modern Shanghai Plaza (ShangHai Taste, Weera Thai) across the road.
Pull into this “hidden” street in Chinatown to experience new taste sensations. (Image: Vegas 411)
Now here’s where Chinatown gets even more interesting. Beyond its popular streets, there are what’s described as “privately developed commercial streets or internal drives,” like Schiff Drive. That’s where you’ll find spots like Chengdu Taste (Chinese), Lullabar (Thai), and Swaad Indian Cuisine (inspired Indian Chinese fusion), not to mention the long-running Las Vegas Little Theater where Noel Coward’s comedy “Private Lives” will be staged September 4 - 20.
