Ginza Bursts Onto The Massapequa Restaurant Scene

, a lush and swanky Japanese restaurant conveying the excitement of Tokyo’s most fashionable districts, held its grand opening celebration this week, serving notice to Massapequans that elegant Asian dining has finally arrived in their backyard.

Combining traditional Japanese design aesthetics with a decidedly modern, cutting-edge flair, Ginza, located at 45 Carmans Road, is a large establishment, seating up to 177 patrons.

It addition to a spacious dining area and an expansive sushi bar, Ginza also contains a sleek, Manhattan-style lounge and a party room for special occasions.

Douglas Horst, of Horst Design International, spoke about the philosophy behind his design work for Ginza, which in Japanese means “minty silver.” 

“In Tokyo, the Ginza District is very contemporary, very racy, very fashionable,” he said. “It’s a high-energy District, like our Times Square and Fifth Avenue fused together. We’re trying to pick up on that environment and that energy.”

The result is a contemporary Asian environment that seeks to appeal to both the single set and families, and all within a moderate price point that Horst said compliments the restaurant’s excellent culinary abilities.

Co-owner Tiffany Lin said that she felt that Massapequa was the perfect location for Ginza, and should provide a unique addition to the restaurant scene of the area.

“I am very happy to open this restaurant. Massapequa is very good location...there is plenty of traffic around here,” she said. “We have Sunrise Highway right here, as well as the mall.”

Tiffany’s husband, Patrick, is not only a co-owner of Ginza, but also the establishment’s head chef, bringing with him 12 years of experience in the field.

“This is my first restaurant,” he said. “I love to make sushi, and especially sashimi, and I am excited to finally get to make it in my very own restaurant.”

With the owners eschewing the traditional pair of oversized scissors in favor of a Samurai sword for the outdoor ribbon cutting ceremony, the grand opening, attended by local politicians and Chamber of Commerce members, then moved inside, where guests were treated to delicious sushi and hors d'oeuvres, as well as a traditional Japanese sake toast.

Chamber of Commerce President Phyllis Doria was excited to welcome Ginza into the Massapequa community.

“It’s outrageous,” she said. “It’s a beautiful place...I wish them a lot of luck, and I hope they let everybody know that they’re here...it’s simply outrageous.”

Assemblyman Joseph Saladino, R-Massapequa, attended the grand opening event, and said that the opening of an establishment like Ginza is a positive sign of change in the local economy.

“The grand opening of this restaurant speaks volumes,” he said. “It says that our community is thriving, we’re rebounding...it says that Massapequa is on the map. Massapequa is one of the finest communities in New York State, and having beautiful restaurants and stores open and thrive speaks volumes about the heart and commitment of the people who live here.”

Co-owner Tiffany Lin invites all of Massapequa to come in and sample the delightful cuisine and atmosphere that Ginza provides.

“Come in and try Ginza,” she said. “We have wonderful food, and we think Massapequa will like us very, very much."