A wealth of choices at Claim Jumper

Published 10:42 am Friday, February 29, 2008

Claim Jumper is in town!

It is the third of its kind in the state and is one of the four new major restaurants at the new Alderwood mall which are all now open for locals to peruse.

The other three are McGrath’s Fish House, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

If you know anything about Claim Jumper, which is extensive throughout California, you know it’s a good place to go if you’re REAL hungry.

From California rolls and pasta to baby back pork ribs and Chicken and biscuits, Claim Jumper’s portions are huge and the menu offers something for everyone.

If you’re not in the mood for a heavy portion of their country fried steak or turkey dinner try one of their pizzas or burgers.

There are also 11 salads to choose from and they’re filled with the freshest ingredients, such as mixed greens, candied walnuts or pecans, Asian pears, barbecue chicken, fresh mozzarella and more.

BUT, those of you looking forward to Claim Jumper’s famous Hot Bacon Dressing, like I was — will be disappointed.

According to Lynnwood’s general manager Brian Neal, because this location doesn’t have a salad bar, it doesn’t carry the special salad dressing. Darn!

So I tried the California Citrus salad, it wasn’t the hot bacon dressing, but it was really good.

While it’s very kid-friendly, it will make a great date place.

The Lynnwood location also offers a spacious, fully stocked bar, great appetizer menu and is right next to what will be the new 16 screen, stadium seating Loews Movie Theatres, scheduled to open in March 2005.

Happy Hour is from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday — and all night during Monday Night Football.

The restaurant has a high energy atmosphere with an open display kitchen which allows guests to watch staff prepare meals.

Along with the fun surroundings, Claim Jumper stands out because of the little things it does.

Such as having small apples available in the lobby for hungry, little antsy claim jumpers, putting little netting coats on their lemons so the seeds don’t fall in your food and having a team mentality when it comes to servers and customer service. Everyone who walks by is more than happy to help you and/or answer questions.

Claim Jumper also offers a large children’s menu. Prices range from $4.95 to $6.95 and include french fries, fruit or veggies with free refill on fountain drinks.

Neal said while he believes the food is special at his restaurant another aspect of Claim Jumper is its community involvement.

The first week of its opening the store donated its proceeds from its famous dessert, the Chocolate Motherlode Cake to The Edmonds Public Education Foundation.

Neal said locals should look forward to future fundraisers such as “Tip a Cop” and/ or “Tip a firefighter” where local police officers and/or firefighters work as servers in the restaurant to benefit public safety causes.