Back in 2007, Gillis and George Poll decided to shake things up by opening Toku, a super cool Modern Asian joint at Americana Manhasset on Long Island. These guys were already big shots in the steakhouse, seafood, and Italian food scenes, but they wanted to try something new with Asian cuisine. So, they teamed up with the famous Bentel & Bentel Architects (the folks who designed The Modern at MoMA) and put their heads together to create a space that’s kinda minimalist but still cozy and welcoming.
Gillis, one of the Poll brothers, attests to the design’s inspiration— they basically started with a 19th-century Japanese home and added a cool modern twist to it. It’s fancy, but not too fancy, you know?
Food for All Tastes
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the food! At Toku Aventura Mall, they’ve cooked up a menu that’s mostly Japanese, but they’ve thrown in some Chinese and Thai flavors for extra kicks. Gillis and George traveled the world and tasted all sorts of amazing dishes, and they brought back their favorites, adding their own unique twist.
Guests can choose from traditional three-course meals comprising appetizers, entrees, and desserts, or opt for a sushi-focused experience. If you like sharing and dining together, you can totally order cocktails, appetizers, and skewers to pass around and enjoy the experience together. As George affirms, “The menu is set up for sharing,” so that guests can savor every bite as they see fit. It’s a laid-back place, and you can eat however you like.
Lunch and Dinner Delights
Lunchtime offers some awesome options like the Bento Box Daily Special (it comes with soup and rice for $35) or the Lunch Prix Fixe for $37. You can dig into dishes like Kung Pao Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Spicy Hong Kong Pork, and more. If noodles are your thing, don’t miss the Ginger & Scallion “Yakisoba” Stir-fry, Chilled Udon Noodles, and Jhap Chae.
Dinner is where Toku really shines though. Highlights include the Sweet Soy Marinated Skirt Steak, Wagyu Steak Frites, A5 Wagyu Strip and Pork Buns. Other options like the “Kurobuta” Pork Gyoza, Fried Calamari and Kobe Riverstone BBQ are also available. Don’t forget about the Crispy Whole Fish, Roasted Lobster, Miso Black Cod, and Sesame Crusted Tuna either – they’re all amazing.
Sweet Endings
No meal at Toku Modern Asian is complete without a sweet ending. Try their seasonal Exotic Fruit Plate, Banana Wontons or some delightful Fuji Tatin. And if you’re into something a bit lighter, they’ve got Sorbet, Toku Ice Cream, and Assorted Mochi Ice Cream that make for the perfect dessert. It’s the sweetest way to wrap up your dining experience!
If you’re into wine, they’ve got dessert wines like Sauternes Castelnau De Suduiraut from Bordeaux, France (2010) and Ice Wine “Vidal” from Inniskillin in Niagara Peninsula, Canada (2014) to pair perfectly with your sweet treats.
Hours & Location
Toku Modern Asian is located at 19575 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 1109, Aventura, FL 33180. Operating hours are as follows:
- Sunday – Wednesday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Thursday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
Toku Aventura Mall also has a private dining room that can fit up to 20 of your pals. It’s great for special occasions, celebrations, or just a fun get-together.
Dress Code
Oh, and one more thing – try to avoid baseball caps, tank tops, hoodies and sleeveless shirts. Admittance is at the discretion of management, who reserves the right to refuse service to patrons not adhering to these guidelines, regardless of their reservation status.
FAQs
Q : What are Toku’s operating hours on Fridays and Saturdays?
A : They’re open from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.
Q : What is Toku Modern Asian’s specialty cuisine?
A : Asian Fusion.
Q : What’s the maximum capacity for their private dining room?
A : The private dining room can accommodate up to 20 guests.