Far East Love, American Style

For those people, like me, who think salmon sashimi is a little slice of heaven on a plate, check out on Browvale Lane and Northern Boulevard in Little Neck.

As its name might suggest, this Japanese restaurant caters to large groups, with most of the plated offerings ending up in the middle of the table for everyone to dig in.

And for the most part, Sushi Family's offerings will have people reaching out for more — whether it's sushi rolls, sashimi or the highlight for any Japanese food connoisseur with a healthy appetite, the combo platter.

The appetizers at Sushi Family, edamame (broiled green soybeans), gyoza (pan–fried beef dumplings), shumai (steamed shrimp dumplings) and kalbi (beef short ribs), are an affordable and tasty preparation for the main course. 

Newcomers to the sushi experience might want to consider starting with the California roll — an Americanized staple of Japanese restaurants across the U.S., filled with avocado, crabmeat and cucumber. And remember to take it easy on the green paste (wasabi) and cabbage (kimchi). Both side items can be intolerably spicy for the uninitiated palate.

For more experienced sushi fans, eel–based rolls like Dragon, Godzilla or Black Scorpion are a good bet. The shrimp tempura, spicy tuna and crabmeat–stuffed Volcano Roll is another good choice that more than lives up to its moniker on Sushi Family's menu.

And for groups of friends who are ready for a Yokozuna-sized feast, Sushi Family offers affordable sushi and sashimi combo platters, with anywhere from 32 to 100 pieces of various kinds of fish. The most expensive is $110 — still fairly cheap when split several ways. For dessert you can get either Red Bean or Green Tea ice cream; both are welcome changes from chocolate and vanilla flavors.

With the Kabuki-themed tapestries and other Asian art completing the ambiance, tradition, as well as solid, hit-the-spot food, is on Sushi Family's menu.

Sushi Family, located at 252-01 Northern Blvd in Little Neck, is open Sun.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Fri. and Sat. from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. No delivery; pick-up service available.