By TIM SLIVINSKI
It was long awaited, but Tee-Jay Thai Sushi finally opened its doors a couple months back in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, and the diners have been coming in steady streams ever since. It’s no wonder. The transformation that took place in the location is quite amazing. It is a large dining area that is subdued in color scheme and divided by banquettes that provide seating for larger parties. The colors are soothing while, at the same time, offering a hip, upscale look. Smaller tables for two and four surround the larger tables, or a customer can choose to eat at the bar and watch the sushi masters in action.
On a recent Saturday night, we arrived to find the place bustling with hungry patrons. We were able to snag a table in minutes and settled in with a glass of wine to accompany our perusal of the rather large menu offerings. After some discussion, we decided on spring rolls (a traditional favorite) and a summer roll— after all, Labor Day was approaching, the traditional end to summer. Both appetizers were delicious. The spring rolls were packed with crunchy fresh vegetables and the lightly fried delicate crispness of the exterior almost melted in your mouth. I could become addicted to the spring rolls. The summer roll was wrapped in rice paper and filled with shiitake mushrooms. Delicate, flavorful and light, it was a perfect accompaniment to the crunchy spring roll.
When it came time to determine our entrées, we had so many options that narrowing down our selections took us some time. Tee-Jay offers traditional Thai and Japanese entrées, several noodle dishes, sashimi and various types of rolls. Everything is described in an appealing way, which had us changing our minds often. Ultimately, we both decided to order from the grilled entrée selections. I was in a poultry mood, so ordered the chicken breast while my partner was taken in by the grilled tuna. When the entrees arrived, we loved the three selections of dipping sauces that accompanied our perfectly grilled choices. A teriyaki sauce, a wasabi cream sauce and a traditional peanut sauce allowed us to mix and match flavor profiles with our entrees from the hot — but not too hot — zing of the wasabi to the cool slight sweetness of the teriyaki to the smooth creaminess of the peanut sauce. We discussed the different flavor palates, and I decided that I preferred the wasabi cream while my partner was more partial to the teriyaki. His tuna was perfectly seared on the exterior and wonderfully ruby on the interior, just as tuna ought to be. My chicken breast was moist, juicy and fork tender. Wonderful sides of jasmine rice and crispy sautéed mixed vegetables accompanied our grilled entrees. One hint: I actually enjoyed using the teriyaki sauce to flavor the rice. Try it for yourself and see what you think.
We enjoyed the ambiance of the room as we chatted and determined we need to return to try many of the delicious sounding options on the menu. If you are planning to go to Tee-Jay with a larger group of friends or colleagues, you might want to consider ordering one of Tee-Jay’s boats. A table of six gentlemen near us opted for the boat, and I must say it is an impressive presentation. The boats can be ordered in various sizes, and they offer an array of delicious choices, including rolls, sushi, and sashimi, depending upon the size you order. And yes, all the delicacies do actually arrive at your table in a boat.
Tee-Jay offers beer and wine, and my partner clearly liked the selection of Asian beers on the menu; he enjoys their lightness and the slight sweetness on the palate.
Tee-Jay’s clearly seems to have hit its stride along the Drive, judging by the number of happy diners and the quality of its food. We look forward to a return visit. If you have not yet stopped by for lunch or dinner, make it a point to do so. A well-appointed dining room, great appetizers, delicious entrees — what more can you ask for?
Tee-Jay Thai Sushi
2254 WiltonDrive, Wilton Manors, Fl. 33305
954-537-7774