Beaverdale's former Mandarin will reopen in Clive

An order of sizzling rice shrimp from the former Mandarin in Beaverdale. (Credit: Register File Photo)

First Look: El Aguila Real's new location

Their new Beaverdale digs

Beaverdale's former Mandarin Chinese Restaurant will reopen in mid-November in Clive and expand its menu to include sushi.

Mexican restaurant El Aguila Real now occupies the old spot in Beaverdale, while the rebranded "Mandarin Grill & Sushi Bar" will move into 1250 128th St., Suite 100, Clive - just north of the bustling Granite City brewpub.

Kevin Liu will serve as executive chef and own and operate the Mandarin in Clive with his sister, Jade Chyan. The extended Liu family owns numerous restaurants around the Midwest, including Wok in Motion in West Des Moines and restaurants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Wisconsin and Illinois.

The Mandarin in Clive will seat a little more than 100 diners at capacity, said Jason Rieper - he's a law student at Drake University whose wife, Jessica, is Chyan's daughter; the couple also is helping to manage the new restaurant. Rieper added that the Mandarin will serve beer, wine and saki but will not stock a full liquor bar. Grilled appetizers will be available.

Opening day is tentatively set for Nov. 15.

The original Mandarin dates back to 1978 when it was opened in Beaverdale by Liu, his mother and his sister.