Jinzen in Clayton 3-29-25

I'd give this place a 4 out of 5 stars. 

 Jinzen calls itself a "Fusion Cuisine" restaurant.  It seems to be all Asian Fusion.  

Anna was home and she was going to the Fox with me.  She picked this place to try.

It is a fusion restaurant that is also known for its Asian drinks.  I got a glass of wine, but Anna ordered one of their flavored sodas.  Her soda came in a can that they had bottled and it had fizz.  She said it was very good.

We each ordered an appetizer.  I ordered the Takoyaki.  It was just OK.  It was like round ball pancakes with a little bit of octopus in them and a sauce on top and A LOT of fish flakes on top of that.  The fish flakes were not a great addition and it needed way more octopus. 

Anna ordered chicken goyza.  These are traditional Japanese dumplings.  They were good.

For dinner Anna ordered the pork katsu with tempura vegetables.  She liked the vegetables, but too many of them were mushrooms.  The pork was not as tender as chicken katsu and had too much grissle. 

She saved the katsu for leftovers and didn't end up eating it. 

I ordered the volcano fried rice.  It is a rather unique presentation.  They bring a smoking hot skillet style pan (think fajitas).  They turn over a bowl of kung pao chicken fried rice on it and take the bowl away.  Then they have a little gravy boat with whipped raw egg in it.  They pour the egg around the edges of the rice.  It fries immediately and then they stir the egg into the fried rice.  It was fun to watch and I liked the dish.  

This photo is immediately after the eggs were poured around.

I enjoyed this dish.  The appetizer was just OK.  I would go back.  Many people order ramen, bulgogi, or bibinbap here.  I'd like to try some of those some time.