DINING REVIEW: BANY ASIAN FUSION

BANI -- GREAT SUSHI IN L.I.C.

BY CLAUDIA CRUZ

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 3:19 PM EST

Once upon a time, only the Japanese ate sushi. However, sushi has become mainstream and restaurants have popped up everywhere in the city. So here’s a tip: for great sushi, try BANY in Long Island City.

For two years, BANY Asian Fusion, located at 10-57 Jackson Avenue, has offered a gastronomic adventure through East Asia, serving not just sushi and sashimi, but Malaysian, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese inspired platters.

There are great appetizers at BANY, so you’ll want to try a few.

BANY’s light and healthy seared tuna salad appetizer, served with a spicy ponzu sauce – soy, vinegar and the juice of the yuzu citrus plant – comes in a large enough portion for a few friends.

If on a date, try the popular the Rock Shrimp – shrimps enveloped in a light tempura and fried to perfection, bathed in a spicy, but not too spicy, mayo sauce, nestled in a flirty cocktail glass. The shrimps are meaty and delicious, and the presentation is a great conversation starter.

Though the portion can feed two people, one dish you will not want to share is the Black Cod appetizer. A fabulous dish because of the simplicity in its execution, presentation and taste, the Black Cod – not a member of the salty family of codfish most people are familiar with – has a mild flavor and a texture that quickly soaks in the butter and garlic that it is prepared in. Leave your palate clean for this dish for a more memorable experience.

The Chef’s Specials, which change daily, are listed on a board behind the sushi bar and one worth a try is the lobster tempura roll – lobster tempura, crab meat and avocado wrapped in a thin layer of cucumber. This roll makes for a great summer dish, and while it’s served with spicy mayo and eel sauce, it tastes just great on its own. BANY’s manager, Ye Wu, said this roll was very popular with people who didn’t want to eat rice or seaweed.

Another great surprise on BANY’s menu is their sushi sandwich. This very innovative dish has, between two “slices” of packed rice held together by soy paper, crunchy spicy tuna, grilled eel, avocado, red tobiko and bonito flakes. Eat the sandwich – with a fork – as soon as it’s served and the eel is still warm, and let the flavors melt in your mouth, not your hands!

Though the dishes at BANY have a lot of flavor, they are not hot, despite the little pepper graphic on the menu. However, the server will accommodate your request and raise the temperature – if your palate insists.

With lemongrass colored wall and dark wood furnishing, the restaurant gives off a casual and chic vibe, quite apropos to mellow out the dynamic Long Island City crowd. And though the winter chill has closed BANY’s patio, the spring and summertime will offer a nice and private space for diners.

With so many food choices, sushi lovers and their non-sushi loving friends will find plenty to eat at BANY!

BANY Asian Fusion

10-57 Jackson Avenue

Long Island City, NY 11101

Web site: www.banynyc.com

Telephone: 718-383-2388

Fax: 718-383-1883

Major credits cards accepted

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to midnight

Sunday – Noon to 10:30 p.m.