When a restaurant owner goes to the market and picks out the ingredients himself, you know your meal is going to be good. Sam Lin, the main man at Island Sushi in Shirley, stakes his 20-year reputation on making sure everything he serves is fresh and delicious.
Tucked in a strip mall near the Mastic-Shirley Train Station at the former Tony’s Sushi location, Lin maintains a connection to the popular restauranteur: he’s married to Tony’s sister. And he’s a skillful chef in his own right, having worked in the business for 20 years since relocating from Fujing, China as a teenager.
Mastic Seafood is Lin’s local connection, and he is on speed dial with proprietor Nino Locasio, who calls him when something exceptional comes in. He’s also a frequent visitor to the Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx to hand-pick the tuna, lobster, crab, salmon, and other delicacies that go into his unique dishes.
You know your dining experience will be great if the owner is there hands-on every day. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, the menu includes all the dishes you could want from a Chinese, Japanese, or Thai menu, including beverages, appetizers, soup, and every beef, pork, chicken, or seafood recipe imaginable. Just tell Lin what you want, and he’ll make it memorable for you.
Lin has honed his culinary skills working in restaurants in Illinois, New Jersey, and Brooklyn before taking his talents to Shirley. He has his own secret recipe for eel sauce and is a wasabi master. He’ll greet you with a big smile, and after he fills you up, you’ll be sure to come back for more.
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| Robert Chartuk |
Island Sushi has an ample dining room with a full-service bar, or you can order for takeout. Either way, Lin and his staff will go out of their way to make sure you’re satisfied. Stop by at 77 Northern Boulevard in Shirley or call them: 631-281-0009. Online orders can be made at www.IslandSushi77.com.