SUSHI SPECIALTIES: “A lot of people like to come and sit at the sushi bar. They enjoy seeing us make a nice sushi platter, and it’s fun for them to watch it being made. “Chef/owner John Lung (right) and assistant sushi chef Bill Zhon of Sushi King get ready to go to work at the restaurant’s sushi bar.

Chef John Lung is very proud of his popular Japanese restaurant, Sushi King at 3562 Route 27 in Kendall Park.

“My dream was always to have my own restaurant, and in 2001, I opened my first restaurant Kanoko at Routes 518 and 27. I had that restaurant for nine years. Then, last year, I was able to open Sushi King in the Town Place, and I am so encouraged to have so many customers.”

A native of Hong Kong, Mr. Lung grew up in the restaurant business. When he and his parents came to the U.S. in 1994, the family opened a Japanese restaurant in New York City.

“My father was a chef, and I learned a lot working in the family restaurant and from watching him making sushi and other dishes,” explains Mr. Lung.

Japanese Cuisine

Sushi is the specialty at the restaurant, although a complete selection of Japanese cuisine, such as teriyaki and tempura choices, is also available. Quality and freshness are key elements, points out Mr. Lung. “We serve very fresh fish and the freshest ingredients for all our dishes. It’s healthy, low-caloric, good food. We use less salt and no MSG.”

As are many of his customers, Mr. Lung is a real sushi fan. “I especially love our Butterfly roll, with lobster, mango, avocado, crunchy sweet chili sauce, and soybean seaweed; and the Kiss of Fire roll, with crunchy spicy tuna inside and white tuna jalapeno on top.

“Sushi is actually fish and rice rolled together,” explains Mr. Lung. “The fish can be cooked or fresh, and the sushi is served at room temperature.”

Choices are available as appetizers or entrees, including four pieces of fresh fish on rice, tuna roll, California roll, salmon roll, and spicy shrimp and crab roll, among many others. A special sushi roll combination could include tuna, salmon, yellow tail tuna, sweet potato, eel avocado, tuna avocado, salmon avocado, spicy tuna, spicy salmon, spicy shrimp and crab, Philadelphia shrimp avocado, and chicken tempura.

Bento Boxes

A selection of sashimi (fresh fish pieces) is also available.

Popular entrees are traditional Japanese favorites such as chicken, shrimp or salmon teriyaki, and beef Negimaki. The variety of tempura dishes, including vegetable, chicken and vegetable, shrimp and vegetable are all in demand. Entrees are all served with rice, soup, and salad.

Specialties also include the popular lunch and dinner Bento boxes, including chicken, beef, salmon, and flounder teriyaki. These are all served with rice, shrimp and vegetable tempura, California roll, miso soup, and house salad.

Mr. Lung has also introduced a new “All You Can Eat” lunch and dinner buffet special menu. Sushi, sashimi, various rolls, tempura, teriyaki, soup and salad, dessert, and more are all offered for $19.95.

Other prices include salads and appetizers from $2.50, sushi rolls from $3.50, and hot entrees from $11.95.

Popular deserts at Sushhi King are Tempura ice cream and Tempura banana, and assorted soft drinks are available. Customers are invited to bring wine if they wish.

Customers, including families with children, come from all over the area, reports Mr. Lung. “We can seat 65 people with tables, booths, and the sushi bar. We have tried to create an attractive decor, with an Asian theme, but also blending American tastes. That’s the feeling I wanted.”

Best Sushi

“I really enjoy being with the customers,” he continues. “A lot are people who came to my former restaurant Kanoko, but there are many new people too.”

Kendall Park resident Matthew Kroeper was a loyal Kanoko customer, and now comes regularly to Sushi King. “The sushi and the service are just great. It’s definitely the best sushi around.”

Catering is a growing part of the business, adds Mr. Lung. “We are very busy with catering, and we have many orders for Thanksgiving. We will be especially busy during the holidays, and I also go to people’s houses to make sushi for a party.

“I am very proud of achieving my dream to have my own restaurant,” he adds. “We want to be known as the place to go for sushi, and we want to invite everyone to come in and try our great dishes.”

Sushi King is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 to 3, 4:30 to 10; Sunday 12 to 9. (732) 821-8822. Website: www.sushiking27.com.