New Asian Spot Cinnabar Opens in Former Ben’s Crab Building in Massapequa
Restaurateur Cathy Ren has opened a new Asian cuisine spot in Massapequa called Cinnabar. The 5,500-square-foot, 165-seat room is a huge, high-ceilinged affair, reminiscent of the ancient Chinese dynasty’s Forbidden City, according to the owners, who are leasing the space.
Ren, along with her partners, own a number of restaurants already including speakeasy oyster and cocktail bar The Attic, another speakeasy-style omakase sushi bar called Himitsu, tapas restaurant Tavern 157, and sake bar Izakaya Nana, all located in Flushing, Queens. Now, Ren and her team have opened a restaurant on Long Island in the former location of Ben’s Crab at 45 Carmans Road.
They describe the menu as elevated Chinese and Japanese cuisine by Chef Ken, formerly of sister location Himitsu. Offerings include a Lychee Shrimp Lollipop, which “offers a distinct texture, artful arrangement, and towering presentation,” according to a statement released by the restaurant. Specialty sushi rolls are named after the five elements. They highlighted a lobster and sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves and their Dim Sum Box Sampler, an artistic arrangement of a Chinese classic.
Drinks include their twist on classic cocktails like the Open Sesame, a take on a disaronno sour made with sesame oil and anise, and the Crazy Rich Asians, made with mezcal, passionfruit, and jalapeno infused tequila.
According to a representative of the restaurant, the name, Cinnabar, is synonymous with the traditional red color in China.
“It’s also a rare mineral stone said to manifest abundance and break inhibitions and self doubt,” they said in an email.
Online reviewers are saying the space is trendy and cool, perfect for a date or a fancy night out. The fusion Chinese and Japanese menu is also getting high marks.
The restaurant had its official grand opening on Friday, October 20th.
Location: 45 Carmans Road, Massapequa, (516) 308-4648.
📷 Courtesy of Cinnabar.
