Kaji Sushi & Lounge Open For Business

The welcoming atmosphere at Kaji Sushi & Lounge, Garden City's newest restaurant to open on Franklin Avenue, beckons one to sample anything on the menu, whether you're grabbing a quick bite for lunch or settling in for dinner.

Manager John Cao says a popular dish is the Giants Roll - grilled lobster tail, avocado and seared filet mignon. Fresh wasabi tops it off for $15.

The Asian fusion restaurant celebrated its grand opening Sept. 13 at 935 Franklin Avenue. "Garden City is a very nice neighborhood," Cao said of opening here.

And despite the competition, like Sushi Ya, which is just two doors north, Cao says it's Kaji's "artfully designed" dishes that make the new restaurant stand out from the rest.

The location was once an empty storefront, along a strip boasting mostly "For Rent" signs. The restaurant will soon have a new neighbor, a tapas bar called Plancha. Just south, Calagero's owner Ron DiGangi is moving forward with the Italian restaurant's long anticipated expansion into what was once Garden City Galleries.

The area, on the eastern side of Franklin, between Tenth and Eleventh streets, is now bustling with activity. Cao said it took about a year to revamp the site, which offers a full bar and plenty of tables for sit-down dining. Al fresco dining will soon be offered in the back of the restaurant, Cao said.

Happy hour kicks off at 4 p.m. daily with food and drink specials until 7 p.m. Enjoy any two appetizers for the price of one and $5 cocktails, martinis and house wines. Hot sake and 12 oz. beers are $3.

A member of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, a ribbon cutting is scheduled for Oct. 4.

Kaji Sushi is open seven days a week: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday; and 1 to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Lunch is offered on weekdays only. Check out Kaji Sushi's Facebook page for specials.