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| TOKU
Restaurant |
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| New
York - USA |
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Extraordinary - Society
October - 2007 |
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5
Stars & 6 Stripes
Overall - 'Cuisine & Service' |
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The
Ultimate Award:
Seven Stars and
Stripes® |
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| Gillis and George Poll have a knack for consistently
creating diversified, exciting new restaurants on Long Island. Toku, their
newest creation, at Americana Manhasset, is exotic, sophisticated, and chic
with an “urban atmosphere”. The Poll brothers spent years refining
their culinary skills at Bryant & Cooper, Cipollini's, Riverbay, and 2
“Major” Steak Houses. Toku's décor, excellent service, and
eclectic oriental menu exemplifies their attention to quality and detail.
Gillis and George worked with Executive Chef Tomoyuki Kobayashi to help create
their own exotic menu of Asian Dishes with variations offered exclusively by
Toku. |
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| My wife I recently had
the opportunity to sample the amazing variety of mouthwatering appetizers and
entrees offered at this visually stunning restaurant. At Toku, first time
diners can create their own “tasting menu” with an assortment of
delicious appetizers, or a full three course meal. Our own tasting menu
included Toro Tartar, with caviar, and a beautifully presented and delectable
assortment of Sushi and Sashimi, in glorious hues of pinks, yellows, blue, and
red. |
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| We next were served an assortment of Rock Shrimp
Tempura, Pork Buns, and Steamed Sea Bass Roll. These appetizers were followed
by an assortment of hot Foie Gras and Pineapple Skewers and a Peking duck
Salad. Each course was fully discussed and explained by a well trained
waiter/waitress. Our main courses were a mouthwatering “Miso Black
Cod” along with cod shishito pepper salad, pickled ginger, and bonito
shaving, as well as “Braised short Ribs” with Mushroom Chow Fun. Each
dish was presented on fine china and cooked to absolute perfection. |
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| Gillis and George Poll |
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No review of Toku would
be complete without a description of the interior design and decorating
elements visible at the restaurant... The Polls worked with Designer Paul
Bentel, of Bentel & Bentel in Locust Valley, L.I., to help bring to life
their vision of converting a simple restaurant interior into modern elegance
and sophistication. However, even with its urban chic, Toku is warm and
inviting, featuring a spectacular wood and illuminated onyx bar, and
comfortable seating. The sleek wood paneled walls have a number of celebrated
works of art by Li Jin of China. |
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| Toward the back of the dining room is a visible glass
and wood enclosed private dining room with a garden like setting. This area can
be closed for private affairs or opened to extend the dining rooms. Asian
figurines, and decorations are tastefully arrayed in both the bar area and
dining room. The elaborate menu and delicious food are well priced so that
individuals, couples or family's can enjoy an affordable night out. Based on my
own experience, I fully expect that Toku will fast become one of Long Island's
most successful new restaurants. Congratulations to Gillis, George, and their
wonderful well trained staff for bringing Gourmet Asian Style food, Manhattan
Chic, and another wonderful “Poll Brothers” restaurant to Long
Island. |
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“Toku brings New York City sophistication
and elegance to Long Island's restaurant community.
It is another brilliant
example of the visionary thinking of Gillis and George Poll.” ~
BK |
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by Barry Kay
Editor: Barry Kay
Editor-in-Chief: John
Lomitola |
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| © 2007 ~ Seven Stars and Stripes,
Inc. |
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