If you’re yearning for an authentic Asian dining experience that combines stunning flavor, spectacular surroundings, and unrivaled atmosphere, then Long Island’s own MoCA Asian Bistro chain of restaurants is the place for you.
MoCA is a celebration of the great cuisines of Asia, but according to the restaurant’s representative, Yan Zhu, the eatery doesn’t simply present what is considered “traditional” from any particular country, but instead offers a “fusion” of different cultures.
“It’s more important to present cooking with passion, so creativity and invention are an important part of that. MoCA chefs are trained professionals with decades of experience, now led by Chef Jeff Lee, whose background at five-star establishments spans Manhattan and Dubai,” she said. “So we understand the fundamentals behind the ingredients and cooking techniques that allow for creativity in new combinations. That’s what fusion is about. There is an element of freedom to invent and create. Another thing is that New York itself makes MoCA possible in a very special way. New York is a ‘melting pot,’ which is another way of saying ‘fusion.’ At the same time, everything that comes together here remains distinctive. We are in a world that appreciates fusion and contrast at the same time.”
MoCA Asian Bistro first opened their doors for business in Hewlett in 2006, and has since extended their locations to Woodbury, Westbury, and Forest Hills, with aspirations of expanding further based on the response they’ve been getting from the local communities, Zhu said.
“New York City, and the great extended metropolis around it, is famous for its multiplicity of cultures,” she said. “We love passion and excellence, too. But it’s not known for compromise. New Yorkers want the best. As the Frank Sinatra song says, ‘If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.’ So even though we’re a local chain, with more locations in Woodbury, Westbury, and Forest Hills, the national potential is right around the corner!”
A MoCA Asian Bistro location typically can seat anywhere from 135 to 300 patrons, and Zhu noted that the comfort and atmosphere presented at their restaurants is just as important as the presentation and flavor of their food.
“All our locations are original designs by the founder and owner. Each is unique, but the shared theme among them all combines warmth, intimacy, and celebration,” she said. “We have a magical combination that is simultaneously ideal for couples sharing a private get-away, groups of friends and large parties, all at once! That’s our interior design achievement. There is some magic involved for sure!”
And if you have an occasion or celebration coming up in the near future, MoCA’s Westbury location is the perfect choice, as it recently added a kitchen and party establishment dubbed the “MoCA Center.” The new venue can currently accommodate up to 50 guests for special events, and is in the process of being expanded further into an eventual 26,000 square-foot event space.
As for the dining experience at MoCA Asian Bistro, the restaurant employs only the most skilled chefs who have years of experience in artfully crafting culinary masterpieces that will tantalize – and surprise – your taste buds.
“Some of MoCA’s chefs have been with MoCA from the very beginning. They are very much the core of our success. They are founders and continue to be the foundation, and that’s why we are confident we can build more,” Zhu said. “We have appointed a new executive chef to take us to the next level. He is Jeff Lee, who got his start in New York City just like us. After reaching executive chef level at restaurants here, he spent more than a decade at the head of some of the best restaurants in Dubai. We convinced him to come back! Chef Lee’s specialties are our specialties: creating new and exciting dishes out of the old traditions of Asia’s culinary hotspots, and adding the best of American innovation. We’re looking at a bright future with Chef Jeff Lee!”
For those unfamiliar with MoCA and are wondering what sets them apart from other Asian cuisine, Zhu said that they have amassed a plethora of long-time, satisfied patrons who can attest to their many superb dining experiences over the years.
“MoCA makes a meal feel special in a way that makes you want to be familiar at the same time. We have a lot of regular customers that we have come to know like family over the years,” she said. “We’re a place where you can say, ‘let’s do something special for dinner tonight,’ even though you may have dined with us the week before!”
Like many businesses, MoCA encountered hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Zhu said that she was proud that the establishment endured and is now back, and better than ever.
“MoCA is very proud to have gone through the pandemic without layoffs or permanent closures,” she said. “The pandemic was an opportunity to ensure and prove that our core operations were solid and sustainable.”
Zhu stated that it has been an absolute pleasure to be able to provide such excellent food and atmosphere to Long Island residents, and that the restaurant chain looks forward to welcoming their loyal customers back – again and again – for many years to come.
“Few things are more essential than having breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s something you do every day, so it’s a great honor and privilege to make those times special for our guests,” she said. “Whether it is a new face or familiar face, we feel excitement over the opportunity to make a great new impression or confirm again the great experience that brought you back!”
For catering inquiries, please visit https://moca.catering or call 516-827-5800. To find out more about MoCA Asian Bistro or to make a reservation, please visit https://mocaasianbistro.com or contact them directly at their four locations, listed below:
FOREST HILLS
107-18 70th Rd. Forest Hills, NY 11375
Tel: 718.268.9696
HEWLETT
1300 Peninsula Blvd. Hewlett, NY 11557
Tel: 516.295.8888
WOODBURY
7967 Jericho Turnpike Woodbury, NY 11797
Tel: 516.496.7000
WESTBURY (Coming Soon!)
1500 Old Country Rd Westbury, NY 11590
10) Tel: 516.833.9999
