FOODIE
Huntington Heats Up
By Leah & Arlette/ foodie@longislandernews.com

In one word, Samurai, the Japanese steakhouse on Wall Street, is flashy. Flames burst from all around you throughout the night, knives are juggled and bits of food are being freely thrown. Yet since all of that is in the hands of the hibachi chef, diners can sit back and enjoy the show.

The atmosphere has a dark, Asian style, with a bar in the front for drinks including a yummy pomegranate martini for while you wait if you come on a busy night.

Its hibachi style seating, which means you will be seated with strangers, or new friends, as they prefer to be called. The loud atmosphere makes it a great place to bring a large group, and it’s one of the most kid-friendly places in the village. In fact, even on a Saturday night, they were everywhere. We came across the birthday party for a 12-year-old who chose Samurai to his mother’s relief that he didn’t pick Prime as the place to bring his nine friends. But at Samurai, even serious adults are entertained the entire time by the excitement of having the hibachi chef prepare food at their table.

For starters, there is Gyoza ($6), pan-fried light dumplings served with a zesty vinegar sauce as well as different kinds of tempura, like vegetable ($7), and shrimp ($8). Eda-mame ($5) is always a crowd pleaser and fun to share.

The sushi bar serves up some fabulous fish. The Tuna Carpaccio ($9) served with a spicy horseradish sauce was fresh and filling. After ordering, we barely had to wait before our waitress brought it over.

We also tried the Tsunami Roll ($12) with slices of white tuna and salmon over spicy crunchy salmon. There is a variety of rolls available from the cucumber ($3.50) to the specials, such as the Lobster Fantasy Roll ($12) with shrimp, crabmeat, cucumber, and Japanese vegetables topped with crunchy spicy lobster.

Then it was showtime. The highlight of the evening is when the chef steps up to your table and begins to perform, and of course cook. A tall man dressed in white came over and started flipping his silver spatulas while the grill heated up. He sliced and diced the delicious veggies, while a waitress brought over soup and salad for the entire table at once. We each got an individual serving of rice, white or brown. We ordered the Chicken Hibachi ($17) and the Shrimp Hibachi ($19). There is also Sirloin steak ($21) or Filet Mignon ($26), Scallop ($20), Salmon or Flounder ($19), or Lobster tails ($35).

Our new friends ordered the steak, and loved it.

Yet for those who don’t want to watch their food be cooked before them, there is teriyaki and tempura of all different sorts as well as sushi entrees that pair various combinations for a savory meal.

Last but certainly not least, there is a kid’s menu.

Samurai
46A Gerard Street
Huntington NY 11743
631-271-2588
ww.samuraihibachi.com

Hours: Closed Mondays
Tue, Wed, Thurs
and Sun: 3:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Fri and Sat 3:30 p.m. to Midnight

Cuisine: Japanese Steak House

Atmosphere: Fun, relaxed

Price: Moderate

Main Menu