Ting Puts The "A" In Asian Fusion

By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

Take your tastebuds on a journey at Ting, a restaurant putting their own twist on Asian cuisine.

The Huntington eatery has made a name for itself in over six years in business by offering an array of appetizers, soups, salads, rolls and entrees from a sushi bar and full kitchen

“We pride ourselves on the fact that we get fresh produce and fish delivered every day,” general manager Collin McGlone said. “We source it from premium quality companies, that are top-notch. They are known for maintaining the ‘cold chain’ and sourcing food responsibly and sustainably. People around here like good quality, fresh items and it does make a difference.”

The crispy rice ($13) is a highlight of the sushi appetizers. Fresh spicy tuna top the fried rice, giving it dimensional texture and flavor. A jalapeño kicked it up a notch, while harmonizing with sweet soy sauce.

With an expansive menu covering two kitchens, an order can get dynamic by mixing and matching classic cooked Asian dishes with raw sushi assortments. The B.B.Q. spare ribs ($15) come with a rich honey glaze sauce that brings out the flavor of the tender rib meat.

The wonton sushi tacos ($15) show off Ting’s fusion skills by creating a taco from fried wonton, freshly made tuna, salmon and yellowtail tartars. The fish is luxurious and flavorful.

Ting’s chefs constantly work to evolve the menu, updating it around twice a year, McGlone said. The shrimp and soba ($26) is a new entree that made its way onto the menu after being featured as a special. The green tea soba noodles were light and covered in a sweet soy glaze. Although the grilled shrimp and broccoli lay on the outside of the dish, they are far better once they are mixed in the noodles and sauce.

“We always like to add new items to the menu, based on volume and popularity,” McGlone said. “We listen to our guests, we’re big into getting feedback. We like to run specials bi-weekly, if anything stands out and we get positive feedback, we’ll add this to our regular menu. That’s how we’ve built up the menu.”

Ting offers vegetable and tofu options for any dish. The vegetable lo mein ($11) is a healthy take on the Chinese classic, filled with scallions, broccoli, asparagus and onions. The comfort of the dish remains.

“We are lucky enough to be in Huntington, a community that has rallied behind us, that demands a lot of variety,” McGlone said. “We try to cater to as many people as possible. Now, many are health conscious, for dietary or health reasons, they need gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan options, that we try to accommodate.”

Asian fusion is achieved with diversity in Ting’s kitchen. All of their chefs collaborate on the menu.

The teriyaki combo ($27) gives guests a taste of two meats. The generous portion of chicken, steak and vegetables are complemented by the savory teriyaki sauce.

“To be honest, as much as some of our food is intense and savory, y’know we use an assortment of spices and ingredients that pop out,” McGlone said. “We try to cook with a lighter hand, our food isn’t over salted and our vegetables are steamed, so they’re not mushy. We cook with a light touch.”

Glistening chandeliers and warm colors give Ting’s décor a classic feel.

“We just want to be warm and welcoming,” McGlone said. “We’re a ‘seen and be seen’ kinda place, many of our guests know each other, go to school together, the kids know each other. We’ve become kinda a staple in the community at this point.”

 

Ting
92 E Main St, Huntington
631-425-7788
tingrestaurant.com

Cuisine: Asian fusion
Atmosphere: Elegant and classy
Price range: Appetizers: $4.50-18, Salads: $6-14, Sushi bar entreés: $16-50, Entrées: $15-32.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 12:30-10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 12:30-9 p.m.