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Mesh outdoor furniture.
Sakura House Japanese restaurant in East Quogue is one of those types of places where it seems everyone knows everyone else there. A local favorite, popular with regulars, the Japanese restaurant—open every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day—is big on take-out, though dining in is also offered.
Last week, Ken Tang, the restaurant’s hardworking owner and sushi chef, took some time to talk with Arts and Living about the restaurant’s most popular dishes, chef’s favorites and signature items. As a bonus, Mr. Tang demonstrated his sushi-making artistry.
Most Popular: Eddie Roll; entrée; $8.50.
Chef’s Favorite: Orlando Roll; entrée; $12.50.
Signature: Sakura House Roll; entrée; $7.50.
When it comes to sushi, it’s not just about the taste (though that is an important factor), but it’s also about knife precision and beautiful presentation. All three rolls, which are offered on the menu under the heading of “Ken’s Suggestion Roll,” fit the bill when it comes to flavor and aesthetics, according to Mr. Tang, a native of Tokyo who moved to the East End and opened up Sakura House 17 years ago after stints at a couple of other Japanese restaurants.
The menu description of the Eddie Roll says “eel, avocado, crunchy, cream cheese inside, avocado outside. The heart-healthy dish is attractive and colorful, thanks to the avocado outer layer.
Mr. Tang’s favorite item on the menu is the Orlando Roll, which is “spicy, crunchy tuna and blackened tuna with special sauce,” according to the menu. That dish comes in a roll and is then generously topped with sushi-grade sliced tuna.
The Sakura House Roll is not only named after the restaurant, but it’s also jam-packed with components and, at $7.50, is priced extremely competitively. The colorful inside-out roll is made of tuna, yellow tail, fresh salmon, avocado, scallion, asparagus and caviar.
According to a few of the regulars who stopped by during lunch last Wednesday, it’s the top-shelf quality sushi and affordability that keep everyone coming back.
Natasha Phillips and Levan Murtazashvili live in Southampton but they said that the several times a week drive to East Quogue is well worth the trip.
“We love this place, we wish it was in Southampton,” Mr. Murtazashvili said. “But it’s totally worth the drive, Ms. Phillips added.
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