Ja-Roen Thai Sushi
380 South Main Street
Monticello, UT, 84535
Phone: (435) 587-4000
Hours of Operation: 11am – 9pm; Monday thru Sunday
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Ja-Roen-Thai-Sushi-108275377221110/
Late one June afternoon, a
gentleman from Moab, named Sam, made my acquaintance. He asked me about living in Monticello, the
types of businesses in town, but more importantly, what kind of
restaurants. Then he asked me, “What kind
of restaurant would you like to see in Monticello?” I told him point blank that we needed Asian
Cuisine – Chinese, Japanese, Thai; heck, all three! I made up a packet of information for him;
map of the town indicating where all businesses, gov’t offices, schools,
churches, etc. were located; local phone book; San Juan County guide book; and,
of course, 101 Things to Do in San Juan County.
Politely he thanked me for all my help, and that I had given him much to
consider and think about.
So it came to pass, on
Thursday, September 5, 2019, Sampas Janhom, or Sam, had the grand opening for
Ja-Roen Thai Sushi. Located at the old
Horsehead Grill, or many remember it as the old MD Ranch House, the
southwestern atmosphere was kept intact to match the aesthetics of
Monticello. Inside was abuzz with many
a local savoring the Asian specialties, laughing, conversing and having an
overall good time. It was not unusual to
hear, “We have been so looking forward this”, “This is so exciting!”, and “We
love sushi, and don’t have to go all the way to Cortez or Moab any
longer”. I told several the story of how
Sam and I had met, and one response was, “Well Monticello needs to thank you!”,
and you are quite welcome Monticello! |
| Sushi Chef "Aussie with Owner, Sampas Janhom |
Sam is quite an
interesting man, born and raised in Thailand, he worked for the U.S. Embassy
there in the Immigrant Visa Department.
He was in charge of documenting and approving all Indochina refugees
wishing to travel to the United States.
After immigrating to the United States himself, Sam found employment at
Miami International Airport as a driver.
Not being fond of American sandwiches, he began cooking meals for
himself and this attracted the salivary glands of fellow coworkers. He began cooking for them as well, and before
he knew it, Sam was working his way through restaurants. Starting at the bottom, he worked up the
culinary ladder until reaching status of chef.
Upon moving to Moab, he and his wife, Kloichai Kracha, worked as a chef
team at Singha Thai. He began a great
friendship with Kent Somerville, and they became golfing buddies as well. It was no wonder then, when Sam told Kent
about his dream of becoming a restaurant owner that Kent decided to help
fulfill this dream.
 |
| "Aussie" |
Manning the knife and
bamboo rolling mat is Sushi Master, Sornsawan Chaichan, nicknamed Aussie. He has been creating masterpieces of Sushi,
Sushi rolls and Sashimi for 15 years. A
simple Shrimp Tempura Roll winds its way upon the plate, dragon head in the
lead. Insane Eel Roll resembles pool
balls ready for play, and no one will mind pocketing the 8 ball into the mouth.
 |
| Shrimp Tempura Roll |
 |
| Insane Eel Roll |
Our lovely waitress,
Shaile Beh, juggled table service, and a continuous ringing in of phone
orders. She is knowledgeable on the menu
items, sweet in personality and willing to make sure customers have the best
dining experience.
 |
| Crab Rangoon |
Appetizers are a
tantalizing beginning; Crab Rangoon lightly deep fried, stuffed with a cream
cheese and crab mixture, and served with a light sweet and sour sauce. Thai Dumplings are a meat/vegetable mixture,
each steamed in a thin noodle skin and served with a hoisin dipping sauce. At the next table, we heard the oohs and aahs
over an order of Chicken Satay; tender grilled chicken strips with a peanutty
dipping sauce.
 |
| Thai Dumplings |
 |
| Chicken Satay |
 |
| Pad Se Eew with Shrimp |
 |
| Veggie Delight with Chicken |
 |
| Dessert - Ice Cream |
Ja-Roen Thai Sushi offers
authentic Thai and Japanese cuisines plus Sushi and Sashimi specialties to
please the eye as well as the palate.
Thank you for coming to Monticello, you are exactly what the dining
doctors ordered!
Mary Cokenour
