Anzai sushi open for business

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A new East Meadow restaurant, Anzai, opened its doors on July 22 on Front Street, and after less than one month of business, I ate lunch in what seemed like an already well-established eatery. As Bo Ding, the restaurant’s manager, explained the process of becoming an up-and-running restaurant, I admired the fast service, fresh sushi rolls and calm atmosphere.

“We have a good spot over here,” said Ding, who explained that, thanks to popular surrounding businesses, new patrons have easily discovered the restaurant. It’s located next to the AMF East Meadow Bowl, on the intersection at East Meadow Avenue.

I ordered my personal favorite — miso soup and spicy tuna — but thanks to Ding’s recommendation, I discovered the Manhattan Roll, one of Anzai’s most popular items, he said, complete with spicy shrimp and cucumber, topped with avocado and lobster.

The special rolls, like the Manhattan, are offered at $10 to $14. Other prices are standard for a quality sushi restaurant, with appetizers like the spicy rock shrimp or oyster tempura, costing between $3 and $9. Lunch specials, including sashimi lunch boxes, or “kitchen lunches,” their Chinese food selection, are available at $9 to $12.

The food was fresh, spicy (just to my liking) and unique. The Manhattan Roll lived up to its hype — the topping contained a generous portion of lobster, and combined with the shrimp and cucumber, presented a taste I have yet to experience at another sushi place.

Ding said Anzai prides itself in offering both Japanese and Chinese cuisine. “Some customers miss old-fashioned Chinese food, so we offer an Asian fusion,” he said.

The restaurant comprises a fully stocked bar, which offers authentic Asian beers, a sushi bar with ambient pink, blue and purple lighting, and a spacious table seating area.

The seating is conducive to families or large groups, who can enjoy dinner at one of many tables, and the lone diner, who can stop in for a quick bite at the bar.

Anzai is located at 1856 Front Street in East Meadow. You can contact them at (516) 307-8883. Check out their menu at www.grubhub.com/nyc/anzai-front-st/.