Ginza Brings Japanese Fusion To Astoria

For the first time, Japanese fusion cuisine has come to Astoria. Ginza, a unique Japanese fusion dining experience, combines classic sushi and sashimi dishes with the skill and excitement of real hibachi grilling. This spacious, sparkling new restaurant occupies two floors looking out over bustling Steinway Street, just across from the municipal parking lot. The first floor hosts an impressive sushi bar decorated with several handcrafted, wooden boats on which extravagant sushi orders are served. There is plenty of seating downstairs, while the upper floor houses six gleaming hibachi tables, each accommodating parties of up to eight people. Ginza is a great place for groups of friends or family members to dine together and share all the wonderful dishes offered.

Ginza was opened three weeks ago by Chef Andy, who creates incredibly beautiful sushi dishes, and his partner, Tommy, who oversees operations and greets all the guests with a warm welcome. Already, an enthusiastic clientele is becoming hooked on the fresh, delicious fish, seafood and steak served here.

Start with individual appetizers such as seared tuna, sliced paper thin and served with a zesty pepper sauce ($8). Balsamic hamachi, fresh yellow tail with mixed greens and balsamic dressing, is served in a beautiful bowl. Munch on a plate of edamame, Japanese soybeans, right out of their bright green pods. Gyoza are delicate dumplings stuffed with pork or vegetables, served with a tangy dipping sauce ($4). Adults and children alike will enjoy crisp tempura shrimp or vegetables.

The sushi and sashimi combo is highly recommended for large groups of sushi lovers to share. A literal boat load of sushi, 12 pieces of sashimi, five pieces of Chef Andy's sushi creations and a tuna roll, all so fresh, they taste as if they had just been caught from the wooden boat that they are served on. Bring your camera for this eye-dazzling display. Other special rolls with novelty names such as the Astoria roll, Queens roll and Godzilla roll, are all made with special ingredients and sold individually for dinner or lunch. Best of all, Ginza will happily deliver to your home or office. Lunch specials are available for just $8.

Ginza's expert hibachi chefs perform magic with fresh ingredients, including shrimp, prime steak and filet mignon, chicken, vegetables and noodles. They create a theatrical experience by turning onions into a smoldering volcano and tossing eggs high into the air. Hibachi entrees run from $17 to $26 and include soup, hibachi fried rice and salad with a fragrant ginger dressing. The filet mignon and lobster combo can't be beat, especially when the chef prepares it with lightning speed to your exact specifications- right in front of you. Tender scallops are seared to golden sweetness and shrimp seem to fly from the grill to your plate in seconds.

Hot entrees, such as classic teriyaki beef, chicken, salmon or shrimp, are available from the kitchen. Grilled sea bass topped with an aromatic garlic sauce is a treat ($15). Udon and whole-wheat soba noodles are sauted with choice of meat or vegetables, and are great for slurping. There's a children's meal at a reasonable price.

Though we were stuffed already, our kind waitress insisted we try a trio of ice cream flavors that included strawberry, chocolate, green tea or red bean. Cakes named for each of the four seasons also provide a light and refreshing palate sweetener. Aselection of teas and soft drinks are currently offered while Ginza's liquor license is being approved. You shouldn't wait, however, to visit Ginza, where you can find the freshest sushi and sashimi and Astoria's only hibachi grill. The service is fast and courteous and the food is a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Ginza is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with daily lunch specials from $8 and free delivery. Ginza's hours are 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 11:30 p.m. on weekends. Credit cards are accepted. Ginza is a great place to celebrate a birthday or other festive occasion. Visit Ginza soon.

Ginza
31-31 Steinway St.
Astoria
718-278-6656