SEPTEMBER 2020 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 57
TASTE OF ASIA
A CAUTIOUS REOPENING
BY MARISA VALENTINO
Changing course from business as
usual to takeout only, then cooking
up plans for a phased reopening amid
the coronavirus pandemic has been a
spicy order for many restaurants on
Long Island.
Epitomizing how eateries have adapted
to continue serving customers despite
a menu of difficult New York State-issued
mandates is Taste of Asia, an
authentic region-specific Asian fusion
restaurant with locations in Farmingdale,
Huntington, and Sayville.
“Some people don't want to come
back to work,” says Evan Chan, the
restaurants’ manager, noting he’s had
to replace some staff. “They still think
it's dangerous.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive
order requiring restaurants
to stop serving patrons other than
to-go orders in mid-March to curb the
spread of COVID-19. After the virus
peaked in New York, restaurants on LI
were allowed in June to begin serving
guests on-site again — first al fresco
only, followed by indoor dining with
a limited capacity. Restaurants in violation
of the orders have been fined or
had liquor licenses suspended.
Taste of Asia held off on reopening
in June because a limited number of
vendors were operating and employees
were hesitant to return to work. To prepare
for reopening in August, every
Taste of Asia restaurant was cleaned,
some employees were hired back, and
new workers were hired to replace
those who didn’t want to return.
Despite requirements that patrons
wear masks before being seated,
maintain social distancing, and other
requirements, Chan has noticed that
an increasing number of people are
comfortable with going out to eat again.
But the restaurants are open at half
capacity. Although many regular
customers have returned, the limited
space offered has yet to be filled.
“We probably only get like 25 percent
seating,” said Chan.
While on-site dining has decreased,
takeout orders have increased compared
to before the pandemic.
The restaurant’s menu combining the
essence of Japanese, Chinese, Korean,
Thai, Malaysian, and Vietnamese cuisine
is limited. Dishes such as pan-fried pork
buns, chicken satay, and tuna tataki are
still offered.Some restaurants closed
permanently during the pandemic. Even
with the extra effort to keep patrons
safe, for other restaurants struggling to
survive, like Taste of Asia, uncertainty
lies ahead.
“I don’t know what to expect about
future business,” said Chan.
Taste of Asia is located at 122 Secatogue
Ave. in Farmingdale, 369 New York
Ave. in Huntington, and 239 North
Main St. in Sayville. It can be reached
at toaasianfusion.com
MAIN DISH
Taste of Asia waited until August to open for on-site dining.
“I don’t know what to expect about future business,”
said Evan Chan.
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