Young and sexy

Maybe it's bad luck to be superstitious. It seems like Jimmi's Restaurant and Bar co-owners Terry Bozzay and Rusty Beam aren't leery of the two-time failing location of their new restaurant, 2406 William St. in Cape Gir-ardeau.

"I think the exposure it has on William Street far exceeds anything else that might be negative about the location," Bozzay said.

He said even though there is no left turn from William Street, making accessing the restaurant somewhat less convenient, he thinks that combined with the visibility and parking, the restaurant sits on a great location. He said he and his business partner have made some changes inside that will make people want to come back.

"We don't feel like we're a sports bar even though we understand that our clientele likes sporting events. We feel like we are more of a place for social gatherings," Bozzay said. Bozzay said that with six large plasma-screen TVs perched around the bar area that they are probably the best place to watch a sporting event in Cape Girardeau. He also claims the atmosphere and menu are unique to the area.

"We're trying to be a little different and offer some things that you wouldn't normally see at a restaurant around here. We have a rather eclectic menu," Bozzay said. Jimmi's menu ranges from gourmet burgers to Pacific Rim specialties to steaks and seafood.

Burgers and pork chops are cooked on the grill at Jimmie's on Tuesday, December 11, 2007. (Aaron Eisenhauer)

The remodeled interior has a different atmosphere than its predecessors. "Our style is hard to identify. We looked at some restaurants in St. Louis and other places. We decided that we wanted a place where young, successful, sexy people would want to go, and we tried to accomplish that," Bozzay said.

Bozzay said that during warmer weather, the outdoor patio will add to the Jimmi's dining experience, possibly with the addition of live music. Jimmi's might be a hip new place to dine, but Bozzay said that even though the restaurant is sophisticated the prices are down to earth.

"I think people are surprised when they see the menu and see that it's still affordable," Bozzay said. Gourmet burgers, wraps and sandwich platters are between $7 and $8 with entrees starting around $10. Drinks at the bar are also affordable, especially during the daily happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m.

Jimmi's is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Menu selections

Starters

Chicken lettuce wrap: Stir-fried chicken, green onions, water chestnuts and mushrooms finished in brown rice sauce over flash-fried noodles accompanied by fresh lettuce cups.

Sandwiches and wraps

Grilled mahi-mahi sandwich: Seasoned grilled mahi-mahi served on a wheat ciabatta bun with chipotle tartar sauce, shredded cabbage, tomato and pickle.

Burgers

Daily burger specials: a way to experiment with new recipes.

Pacific Rim specialties

Green curried shrimp: A spicy Thai-curry stir-fried with shrimp, pineapple, red pepper, long-bean and Thai coconut sauce and served over jasmine rice.

Garden fresh

Apple walnut salad: Diced grilled chicken, apples and candied walnuts served over house greens with goat cheese and zesty dressing.

Entrees

Rusty's grilled Hawaiian rib eye: Pineapple and soy sauce marinated rib eye grilled on request served with baked potato and side salad.

Gourmet mac and cheese with grilled chicken: Grilled chicken breast served with cavatappi noodles smothered in creamy cheese sauce and topped with bacon, goat cheese and bread crumbs.