Those looking for more dining options in downtown Ansonia have a destination in Koi, a new sushi, steak, and Asian fusion restaurant.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the business — the location is 375A Main St. — Monday afternoon.
Ansonia Mayor James Della Volpe stopped by to perform the honors, and stuck around to sample the fare. At one point he even donned a sushi chef outfit.
“We want to congratulate you,” Della Volpe said before cutting the ribbon, adding that it was nice to see a new business open on Main Street. “You did a great job on the renovation and we wish you nothing but the best.”
Click play on the video below to see the ribbon-cutting.
Afterward, owner Tony Dong laid out a spread for those gathered.
“What doesn’t have shrimp in it?” Della Volpe, who is allergic to the shellfish, asked. “I’ll be in trouble if I have shrimp.”
Restaurant employees then had the mayor try on a chef shirt, but he knew the outfit wasn’t yet completely authentic.
“Where’s the hat?” he demanded playfully.
Dong then led him behind the counter to pose for pictures.
“Now I’ve got to know how to make it,” the mayor joked as he picked up two large knives behind the counter. “I know how to put together spaghetti and meatballs, that’s about it.”
The restaurant had a “soft opening” Sept. 13 to iron out any kinks, Dong said.
Dong, who has owned restaurants in the area for about 12 years, said he’s excited about “bringing something new to the town.”
“It’s getting better all the time,” he said of traffic in the restaurant since last month’s opening.
He said business is split about half and half between sushi and the rest of the menu. The chef’s special sushi rolls are the most popular items so far, he said.
Click here to visit Koi’s website.
The restaurant seats about 80 people. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.
The restaurant is the latest in a series of eateries opening downtown in the last few years.
There’s Crave on Main Street and Lanza’s over on E. Main Street. Antonio’s has quickly become a Main Street staple and the Hot Tamale taco shop opened on Main Street last year.
And elsewhere in the city, Molto Bene Italian American Kitchen at John J. Sullivan’s recently debuted on Wakelee Avenue.
More photos from Monday’s ribbon-cutting are posted in the slideshow below.
