Hee Been: "Fortunate Guests" Enjoy Seafood Korean Style (Alexandria, Virginia) (1/2)

Minado Japanese Seafood Buffet Chain Restaurants on the East Coast, the you-can-eat sushi” as well as “great shrimp, Restaurants present the ulti-experience is “simply wonderful” exclaims salads” and vegetarian options are on offer; mate sushi buffet. Customers loyal customers. Eating there is a must for though crowded, the mega-sized rooms are are treated to lots of options that are freshly anyone who favors Japanese food. Reviewers surprisingly quiet, and the “wealth of prepared. Fast, efficient service and great have also taken notice. The Zagat Survey choices” makes it a “fantastic buy,” …kids group dining are hallmarks of this eatery. As comments that “a spectacular Japanese buf-are charged by their height.” one of the finest Japanese Seafood Buffet fet” awaits at this spot, where “good,” “all-you-can-eat sushi" as well as "great shrimp, salads" and vegetarian options are on offer; though crowded, the mega-sized rooms are surprisingly quiet, and the "wealth of choices" makes it a "fantastic buy",...kids are charged by their height." Spacious and Bright Environment Each location is impeccably clean, bright and airy with clean lines, amply spaced tables, rice-paper separations, carpeting and a high open ceiling. Panels of tiny lights hang from that ceiling over the food station. Japanese red lanterns hang over the buffet tables and faux-stuffed fish dot the walls. Traditional Japanese music is heard in the background while dining. This, plus polite service and good food results in a loyal following. It has been suggested that restaurant location in Carle Place may be Long Island's largest restaurant, with seating for nearly 500 diners and about 20 chefs on duty. Though crowded, the mega-sized rooms are surprisingly quiet, its high ceilings and ample space with seating for over 500 guests, Minado can accommodate any size reservations. The Kitchen Operation The food is consistently fresh and re-stocked often. One reason for the quality and freshness of this buffet is the fact that Minado is consistently busy, which means little food sits on the buffet for very long. There aren't lots of empty trays along the buffet either -- the buffet lines one wall of the restaurant, behind which many cooks can be seen busily preparing food and restocking diminishing dishes. The Cuisine: Tasty Offerings Low in Fats and Carbs The menu that is mostly low in fats and carbs is prepared, to the delight of the dining patrons. Minado offers over 30 different types of sushi, including a variety of nigiri and maki. They feature a wide array of creative maki, which include many vegetarian items (including Garlic Rolls with cream cheese, spinach, and pepper), as well as Philadelphia and California rolls. Udon is prepared to order, featuring thick, tender noodles in an optional spicy broth. From spicy sashimi salad and hijiki to mushroom and Asian chicken salads, all the salads are fresh and distinct -- avoiding the "everything tastes the same" buffet downfall. Highlights of the hot buffet included barbecued pork, beef teriyaki, and shrimp tempura. The “wealth of choices” makes it a “fantastic buy”. Using Gift Cards to Promote Customer Loyalty Minado successfully utilizes some marketing ideas, such as their Gift Card Program to bring additional customers to the restaurant on a frequent basis. All adult guests dining at Minado on the day of their birthday in a party of five (5) or more adult guests receives a Minado Gift Card which can be redeemed during future visits to Minado. The restaurant also provides a gift card online service. What to Eat at Minado Sushi is Minado's specialty and they offer lots of it. Their guests enjoy over 30 selections of sushi & sashimi that are not only skillfully prepared but artfully presented as well, including hand rolls that are made-to-order.