ESTEVAN — An Estevan Asian cuisine gem – Jino's Asian Delight, located inside the Wicklow Centre on Fourth Street – reopened in mid-May after a significant facelift.
Owner Jino Kim said he's been thinking about doing some major changes for a long time and was happy to finally bring his vision to life.
"It's a completely new look. I got rid of the boards, painting, old furniture. Everything was changed. There used to be a red wall, but now it's a black theme, it's darker. It's a more elegant, luxurious atmosphere. That's what I was aiming for," Kim said.
The restaurant closed in April to have major work done on the interior. Kim, who opened it in 2016 and has been operating the restaurant ever since, said having it closed for a month was stressful, but now that the work is completed, he hopes the community will appreciate the changes while enjoying their all-time favourites.
"I'm really trying to serve good food to the people in the area. That's my philosophy to provide great food and healthy food," Kim said.
He noted he's been aiming for the current concept for quite a few years.
"I've been looking at a more of a modern style, more of a luxury dining concept. And I've been waiting for many years [to implement it]," Kim said.
While the restaurant looks very different now, the menu, which has claimed awards in the past, remains the same, offering a variety of Japanese and Korean as well as some Canadian options. Kim said he will update the menu this summer, adding some appetizers, which pair well with wine and beer. He added that he plans on bringing in more drink options. He also plans on developing some gluten-free options in the near future.
The restaurant currently has 12 employees.
Kim also said they are slightly expanding work hours. The Jino's restaurant is to be open from 11:45 a.m. through 9 p.m. seven days a week.