Author: Josh

The Nosh Flash Review of Umami Sushi and Bar in Centereach, N.Y.

Umami storefront. With black and red sign. — Umami Storefront.

📋 The Noshdown

Cuisine Type: Japanese/Chinese AYCE
Price Range: $20–$30 per person
Portion Size: Moderate
Service Speed: Very Quick
Parking/Access: Ample parking in the Centereach Commons
Best For: All-you-can-eat sushi
Dish Reviewed: Miso soup,California roll,Spicy Girl roll,Phoenix roll, General Tso Chicken.
The “Nosh” Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

The Review

Umami Sushi is an AYCE style buffet, featuring a bar. The inside is very clean and pleasant. I have eaten here many years ago.Umami Sushi is a highly-regarded establishment known for its All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) style buffet. The restaurant boasts a comprehensive selection of sushi, sashimi, and various Japanese-inspired hot and cold dishes, designed to offer a broad and satisfying culinary experience for all patrons. In addition to the extensive buffet, Umami Sushi features a full-service bar, providing a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to complement the meal, including sake, beer, wine, and cocktails. In addition, they serve chinese food as well.

First Impression

I’m genuinely amazed by the speed of their service; it’s the fastest I’ve ever experienced, truly mind-blowing how quickly the food arrives. However, while the service is stellar, the food quality is somewhat lackluster. I’ll explain why.

The Food

Off-white miso paste with onions in a miso soup. — Miso Soup.

Miso Soup Review: A good test of an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) sushi establishment is its simplest dishes. Unfortunately, the miso soup at this restaurant suggested a sacrifice in ingredient quality. Across the three batches I sampled, the soup was subpar. The kelp was watery, the tofu pieces were minuscule, and the miso base itself tasted noticeably aged.

Shushi roll with giant green pieces of avocado. AKA California roll. — California Roll.

California Roll Review: Another excellent way to benchmark the quality of a sushi establishment is by trying maki rolls that are standard offerings across many different restaurants. This provides a familiar basis for comparison regarding ingredient quality and execution. Specifically, the California roll I sampled proved to be truly exceptional. The quality was immediately evident; all the ingredients—from the crisp, fresh cucumber and creamy avocado to the sweet, high-grade imitation crab, were remarkably fresh and vibrant.

shushi roll with brown crunchies on top. — Spicy Girl Roll.

Spicy Girl Roll Review: The “Spicy Girl” roll, a favorite I often order, was profoundly disappointing. It was remarkably bland, completely lacking the promised fiery kick. Crucially, the thinly sliced jalapeño garnish, vital for texture, visual appeal, and fresh heat, was absent. This missing element severely compromised the roll’s intended profile.

My previous exceptional experience with Kira’s “Spicy Girl” roll, a perfect blend of fresh, balanced, and mango heat, set an impossibly high bar. This restaurant’s roll failed to meet that expectation, highlighting a significant disconnect between the dish’s name and its underwhelming flavor.

oozing orange spicy mayo topping a phoenix roll. — Phoenix Roll.

The Phoenix Roll Review: It was merely acceptable; it required a heavy application of spicy mayo and eel sauce to be enjoyable.

General Tso Chicken: The chicken was perfectly fried, and the sauce had a great balance of sticky without being overwhelmingly salty or sweet. I ended up switching to the Chinese food options because I found the sushi rolls too bland. That turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

The Verdict

My recent visit to Umami didn’t quite meet my expectations, though I remember the quality being higher on previous visits. The service, however, was excellent, and I greatly appreciate the efficiency of the digital ordering system.

My main disappointment was the quality of the rolls, which was surprisingly average for Umami. It’s possible this was just an isolated “off day.” Additionally, a significant concern is the discrepancy between the food served and the pictures shown in the menu, which needs to be addressed.

Initially, I would rate the food experience a 3 out of 5. However, the exceptional service acts as an “x-factor,” boosting my overall rating for Umami to a 4/5.

Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐5/5

Food: ⭐⭐2/5

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐4/5

⚖️The Nosh Breakdown: Pros & Cons

✅The Pros (The “Nosh”)	❌The Cons (The “Not-so-Nosh”)
Good Chinese Food: The General Tso’s chicken was very good.	Average : The chef rolls I had were unremarkable.
Fast Service: The service was exceptionally fast.	Average : The chef rolls I had were unremarkable.

Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐5/5

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January 1, 2026

The Nosh Flash of Tiger Lily Café in Port Jefferson, N.Y.
Tiger Lily Cafe storefront.

📋 The Noshdown
- Cuisine Type: Cafe
- Price Range: $10–$25 per person
- Portion Size: Moderate
- Service Speed: Quick (approx. 8 minutes)
- Parking/Access: Ample parking throughout Port Jefferson village
- Best For: A relaxed coffee, healthy bites, and artistic inspiration.
- Dish Reviewed: Kansas City Wrap
- The “Nosh” Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
The Review

Tiger Lily Café is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression. From the art design to the layout, I felt like I was stepping into the mind of a creative who truly enjoys self-expression. Don’t believe me? Take a look at their website: Tiger Lily Cafe

First Impression

Port Jefferson is a beautifully walkable village. I love strolling in a loop around the village; it’s a beautiful walk where you can see dozens of small businesses in a condensed area. Tiger Lily is one of those local gems.

Our seating area.

📋 Nosh Knowledge

I love seeing the high density of small businesses. It’s a sign of a thriving local economy–one that circulates money back into the community rather than sending profits to a distant corporate headquarters.

Tiger Lily is visually stunning. The owners clearly took time and care to present a unique vision of what a café should look like. I know several artists, including my girlfriend, and I see firsthand the “sweat equity” it takes to bring a vision from the mind into reality.

The Food

When I wasn’t distracted by the beautiful artwork, I ordered the Kansas City Wrap and a Mocha Caramel coffee. Even though the café was busy, the wait was only about 6 to 8 minutes.

Kansas City Wrap: I’ll be honest–I had zero expectations of “authentic” tasting regional BBQ sauce, but the sauce had that signature sweet and tangy profile Kansas City is known for. As a foodie, I appreciate it when an establishment cares about the details of a regional flavor profile. The mesclun greens were fresh and vibrant, the chicken was well-seasoned, and the cheese was perfectly melted. It’s a solid, satisfying dish.

Tiger Lily Cafe’s Java Bar Menu.

Mocha Caramel Coffee: While I’m not a coffee expert, I had my girlfriend—a self-proclaimed coffee snob (love you! 😊)—give it a try. She gave it the thumbs up. So, for all you “Java heads” looking for a caffeine fix, this is a good spot.

The Verdict

I really appreciated the tangy BBQ sauce and the freshness of the ingredients; the quality was a pleasant surprise. The sheer creativity of the space makes Tiger Lily more than just a place to eat–it’s a work of art. I will be back to sample more dishes.

Kansas City Wrap Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 29, 2025
The Nosh Flash of Miller Place Bagels and Deli in Miller Place, N.Y.
Storefront Miller Place Bagels and Deli

📋 The Noshdown
- Cuisine Type: Deli
- Price Range: $10–$25 per person
- Portion Size: Moderate
- Service Speed: Prompt & Friendly
- Parking/Access: Very Accessible in Miller Place Commons
- Best For: Quick Bite and Deli Food
- The “Nosh” Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Food
I’m testing out short, 200-word reviews for places where I just order takeout. These quick visits mean there’s no focus on service or atmosphere (unless it’s absolutely terrible); my reviews are all about the food and its quality. I think it could work to develop a more food orientated view of a restaurant and not apply such a broad lens. Some other reviews I have done like Gilshar Greek Cafe and Kira Sushi can benefit from this. It reminds me of how I do Food Trucks as well but not as focused on the street food aspect.

First Impression

When I walked into Miller Place Bagels and Deli, I was instantly reminded of why I love New York bagel spots. The rich scent of hazelnut coffee and fresh bagels filled the air. My girlfriend and I both ordered Egg Everything bagels with bacon, egg, cheese, salt, pepper, and ketchup. I got my eggs over medium, while she chose fried. I like to call this combination the “Looong I-Lander”,just say it out loud and you’ll get the joke!

The bagels smell so delicious.

We waited about five minutes for our food before leaving. The owner was hilarious, jokingly calling me a “Legend.” I found it amusing, he had no idea he was being reviewed. Maybe he’ll remember me?

The Loong I-Lander Bagel

I’m passionate about NY Bagels. People often ask why I post so many reviews when I’m in New York, and it’s simply because I love the food, it’s quite different from what my girlfriend and I are used to in Columbia, S.C., where we live. The photos really tell the story: the bagel had just the right texture, perfectly balanced between chewy and firm. The bacon was cooked perfectly for me, and the egg added a delicious, runny richness.

The Verdict

5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Food

I can tell Miller Place Bagel and Deli has character. The “Looong I-Lander” bagel was delicious with premium ingredients. Who knows, maybe next time I meet the owner we could do a deep dive or spotlight on the spot. I know it will be interesting and “Legendary”.I plan on coming back to try some of that delicious looking deli food. I lied about this being 200-words ☹️.

🎙️ Nosherator Note

Small businesses like this face hurdles every day, from staffing challenges to equipment hiccups. As a fellow operator, I always try to give them the benefit of the doubt and appreciate the effort they put in.

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Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 27, 2025

The Nosh Flash of Kira Sushi in Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y.

Exterior view of Kira Sushi Asian Cuisine restaurant in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York, featuring a red sign and colorful window murals of a Maneki-neko (lucky cat). — The storefront of Kira Sushi in Lake Ronkonkoma; your destination for All You Can Eat Sushi.

📋The Noshdown

Cuisine Type: Japanese/Chinese
Price Range: $35 per person.
Portion Size: All you can eat.
Service Speed: Prompt at first.
Parking/Access: Easily accessed from the main road.
Best For: Resolve that all you can eat sushi craving.
The “Nosh” Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

All-you-can-eat sushi has nearly become an American tradition, with sushi restaurants found in every major city. Kira Sushi is especially popular among locals; my girlfriend and her friends have been loyal customers for years. Naturally, I expected a remarkable dining experience.

First Impression

Kira Sushi is conveniently located just off 846 Portion Road in Lake Ronkonkoma, making it easy to find and access from the main road. The exterior reflects the typical style of a plaza restaurant with a pleasing window mural. When we arrived to meet friends, we were pleased to find that the restaurant offered plenty of seating, even without a reservation, ensuring an expedited dining experience. Having visited many sushi spots over the years, I have developed a strong appreciation for sushi, with maki rolls being my personal favorite.

When I sat down, I noticed there were paper menus and pencils available. Personally, I’ve always found paper ordering menus a bit inconvenient.

🎙️ Nosherator Note

With the rise of digital ordering, I’ve really come to appreciate its speed and convenience. Customers benefit from easy-to-read visuals, straightforward navigation, and a simpler overall ordering process. For businesses, digital ordering reduces staff errors, saves on printing expenses, and streamlines everything from taking orders to serving food. These systems are especially useful for high-volume, all-you-can-eat restaurants. The quicker customers become satisfied and depart, the greater the potential profit for the establishment. As someone who has managed restaurants and owns a mobile food unit, I find kitchen display systems (KDS) and related tech especially valuable. While they can be pricey at first, their long-term impact is significant. Operator hat off, foodie hat back on 🧢

At Sushi restaurants that are new to me I order basic things first. I started with Miso soup, Szechuan dumplings for the Maki rolls I ordered: California roll, Spicy Girl roll and a Yummy Roll. My 2^nd order was Miso Soup, Szechuan dumplings and the Red Dragon Roll. More on why I had to re-order below.

📋Nosh Knowledge

Majority of Sushi spots are both a Japanese and Chinese food restaurants which serve dishes from both cultures. Frequently, kitchen designs and equipment are kept separate to ensure Chinese and Japanese dishes remain distinct.

The First Order

A black bowl of traditional Japanese miso soup with green onions and a spoon on a wooden table at Kira Restaurant. — A warm, savory start: The classic Miso Soup at Kira Restaurant.

Miso Soup: The Miso was not overly salty. I have also observed that many all-you-can-eat establishments may compromise on quality by allowing miso soup to stand for extended periods, causing ingredients such as tofu, seaweed, and kelp to become overly absorbed into the broth. Traditionally, miso soup incorporates components like seaweed, tofu, and kelp, ingredients that might be unfamiliar to those without experience of authentic preparations. I can say that this soup had scallions and tofu present. The soup was good.

Kira sushi menu showing appetizers selections of Josh Nosh first order: Miso Soup and Szechuan Dumplings. — Josh Nosh’s first appetizer order Miso Soup and Szechuan Dumplings.

Crispy golden-brown cream cheese wontons served on a plate at Kira Sushi in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY. — Josh Nosh’s first appetizer order Miso Soup and Szechuan Dumplings.

Szechuan Dumplings: The server brought me cream-cheese wontons which were cold and not what I ordered. See Nosherator rant above.

A sushi platter featuring a Spicy Girl roll topped with tuna and spicy sauce, a classic California roll in the middle, and a Yummy roll with eel and avocado on the right. — The perfect lineup: Spicy Girl, California, and the Yummy Roll. A little heat, a little classic, and a whole lot of savory.

California roll: Whenever I visit a new sushi spot, I usually order a California roll. Much like miso soup, it’s rarely poorly made thanks to its simple ingredients: crab, avocado, cucumber, and maki rice. These basic dishes can also reveal how much a restaurant values quality, sometimes I’ve gotten rolls with oversized cucumber slices, browned avocado, and barely any imitation crab. I’ve even encountered rolls with hard avocado. The California roll I sampled here was well executed: the avocado tasted especially fresh, the cucumber added a crisp bite, and despite using imitation crab, the flavor was enjoyable. I want to note that 99% of all-you-can- eat sushi spots use imitation crab for all-you-can-eat.

Spicy Girl roll: I have sampled numerous Spicy Girl rolls, and this particular version stands out as the best I have experienced. The distinguishing factors of this roll are the balance of the mango sauce and the spice level. Since Spicy Girl rolls are considered a chef’s specialty, their preparation varies between restaurants. In this instance, the mango sauce complemented the roll exceptionally well, and the spice level was notably impressive. Actual Scoville Heat is rare in my experience for an all-you-can-eat sushi spot.

Yummy roll: This is another specialty from the chef. The yummy roll was truly delicious, the combination of eel and eel sauce paired perfectly with the California roll base. I appreciated that the eel sauce wasn’t too salty. Additionally, the eel didn’t have a catfish-like taste, which I sometimes encounter at other places.

The Second Order

Miso Soup: Same as the second order. With a bonus—– I had more tofu and seaweed. Did they see I was a foodie? Did they hear my conversation with my friends debating wasabi and how it is all horseradish… Who knows? I think I was lucky and had a fresh batch.

Szechaun Dumplings with chilli oil on a plate. — Is it Szechuan oil or paste? Maybe Both?

Szechuan Dumplings: I ordered Szechuan Dumplings this time, and thankfully, my order was correct. However, my expectations were too high. There was hardly any chili oil, and the flavor reminded me more of a peanut butter sandwich than authentic Szechuan sauce. Traditionally, the right kind of sesame oil for Szechuan dishes contain Chinese sesame paste, but some restaurants substitute actual peanut butter to save costs or make another sauce. Could that be the case here? There was no heat or signature Szechuan peppercorns. Maybe I’m being picky, but I make my own Szechuan chili oil and have enjoyed excellent versions from Hwa Yuan Szechuan in NYC and DanDan Rittenhouse in Philly. While I do not expect Kira Sushi restaurant to measure up to those standards, the heavy peanut butter taste caught me off guard.

📋Nosh Knowledge

Szechuan and Sichuan typically refer to the same thing. Some restaurants may use Szechuan for traditional dishes and Sichuan for modern ones, but these distinctions are inconsistent and depend on location.

Red dragon roll topped with tuna on a white plate — The delicious Red Dragon roll.

Red Dragon roll- This was another chef specialty. Both the tuna inside and on top were fresh and flavorful. I especially enjoyed the generous amount of crunchy toppings.

The Verdict

⚖️The Nosh Breakdown: Pros & Cons

✅The Pros (The “Nosh”)	❌The Cons (The “Not-so-Nosh”)
Spicy Girl: The “Spicy Girl” roll is a standout with a solid heat level and mango sauce balance.	Flavor Profile Mismatch: The Szechuan dumplings lacked heat and had an overpowering peanut butter taste.
Quality Ingredients: Overall, the sushi had a solid quality taste.	Service Inconsistencies: Incorrect order, cold food, and slow beverage refills.
Reliable Classics: Well-executed staples like Miso Soup and California rolls.	The “Check” Wait: A significant 30-minute delay in receiving the bill.

Overall, I enjoyed the food. The spicy girl roll was easily the best I’ve had at any all-you-can-eat sushi spot. However, I experienced some service issues: I received a dish I hadn’t ordered, the food arrived cold, our drinks weren’t refilled promptly, and we waited an extra 30 minutes for the check, even though the restaurant wasn’t busy.

Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

Service: ⭐⭐2/5

Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5/5

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐4/5

I rounded my rating up to four stars because of the excellent maki rolls, although my original score would have been 3.6 out of 5. I also take into account what’s known as the “x-factor,” which blends local reviews and standards for different types of restaurants. For example, I wouldn’t critique a fast-food place by the same criteria as a Michelin-starred restaurant. I plan to return and explore more items from the menu, including sampling the sushi on its own. All-you-can-eat sushi restaurants often offer higher-quality sushi on their à la carte menu because of the additional premium charge.

Google Review:⭐⭐⭐⭐4/5

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December 27, 2025

The Nosh Flash of Gilshar Greek Cafe in Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.
📋The Noshdown
- Cuisine Type: Greek
- Price Range: $15–$25 per person
- Portion Size: Generous
- Service Speed: Prompt & Friendly
- Parking/Access: Located in Port Plaza lot
- Best For: Quick lunch and casual dinner
- The “Nosh” Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
I frequently travel to Long Island, New York, to visit friends and family. With the abundance of Greek restaurants in New York, it can be difficult to find one that truly distinguishes itself. Gilshar Greek Cafe is a local favorite I return to again and again thanks to its generous portion sizes and consistently good food.

First Impression

The restaurant is located within the Port Plaza shopping center. Its exterior is well presented, and there is outdoor seating available nearby for those who prefer to dine al fresco. Inside, the space features an open layout with centrally arranged tables and an array of natural plants that enhance the ambiance. The overall atmosphere is pleasant and inviting. Upon arrival, I was greeted promptly and shown to my seat without any delay. The menu is concise and easy to navigate, presented on a single laminated sheet. Since I was dining at a Greek restaurant, I opted for the Lamb Gyro Combo, which included fries and a Greek salad. I chose water as my beverage.

The Meal

Greek Salad: The meal began with a Greek salad, prepared in the traditional Greek style with feta cheese served on top. The salad included tomato, olives, cucumber, feta crumbles, mild peppers, and lettuce. However, it did not contain red onion or oregano, which are typically found in more traditional recipes. I also would have preferred a Greek dressing with a bolder, more vinegary flavor.

French Fries: The French fries were straightforward, seasoned with Greek spices but otherwise unremarkable.

Lamb Gyro: I ordered the lamb gyro with all available toppings. The portion size was substantial; so much so that I considered using a fork and knife. The lamb itself offered a well-balanced blend of saltiness and savoriness, which is characteristic of rotisserie-prepared lamb. I really enjoyed the Tzatziki sauce on the side because it had a strong dill flavor, just the way I like it. The sauce is great for dipping fries.

The Verdict

Gilshar Greek Café delivers quality Greek cuisine at reasonable prices, with portion sizes that are sure to satisfy. The lamb gyro, in particular, was filled with ample lamb and proved to be very satisfying. The staff were friendly, warm, and welcoming. Overall, I give Gilshar Greek Café a rating of 4 out of 5.

Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Long Island Restaurant Group
December 24, 2025
The Nosh Flash of Lil’House Of Pizza in Columbia, S.C.
📋 The Josh Nosh Box
- Cuisine Type: Italian (Pizza)
- Price Range: $10–$25 per person
- Portion Size: Moderate
- Service Speed: Prompt & Friendly
- Parking/Access: Public Parking Soda City/ Not Easy
- Best For: Quick lunch
- The “Nosh” Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
While exploring Soda City, I discovered a remarkable mobile food truck known as Lil’House Of Pizza. Drawn in by the promise of authentic New York style pizza, I was eager to sample what this establishment had to offer, especially as someone who works in the food industry and appreciates culinary diversity.

First Impression

The mobile food unit was thoughtfully arranged, creating an inviting atmosphere. The employee on duty was exceptionally friendly and took the time to share that the owners are from the New England area, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.

The Pizza

The pizza itself was outstanding, featuring the thin New York style crust that I truly enjoy. The pepperoni appeared to be of high quality, and the pizza was finished with a flavorful and aromatic spice blend that elevated each bite.

The Verdict

Having visited numerous pizza establishments in Columbia and Lexington, I can confidently say that Lil’House Of Pizza captures the true essence of New York. Each bite transported me to a classic pie shop in one of the city’s boroughs. I am looking forward to visiting their location again to try more items from their menu.

Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Columbia Foodies

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December 22, 2025
The Nosh Flash of Bamboo Cottage Food Truck in Columbia, S.C.
📋The Noshdown
- Cuisine Type: Jamaican
- Price Range: $10–$25 per person
- Portion Size: Generous
- Service Speed: Prompt & Friendly
- Parking/Access: Columbia, S.C (Soda City)
- Best For: Quick eats
- The “Nosh” Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
First Impressions

During my visit to Soda City, I discovered Bamboo Cottage Food Truck, a true gem among the many options available in the Columbia Soda City food court. The atmosphere around the truck was warm and inviting, which immediately set a positive tone for my experience. The Bamboo crew contributed to this welcoming environment with their exceptional hospitality.

Sampling the Specialties

The head chef, who I believe was named Oto, was extremely busy but still took the time to offer me samples of both the Jerk Chicken and the Curry Chicken as I debated which to order. Both dishes were outstanding, making my decision quite difficult.

Jerk Chicken: This dish was barbecued to perfection, bursting with flavor. The sauce was particularly noteworthy, and the allspice used was simply magnificent.

Curry Chicken: The curry was exceptional, featuring a distinct Jamaican flavor profile enhanced by strong notes of turmeric.

The Main Course

After careful consideration, I opted for the Jerk Chicken, served alongside Rice and Beans and the Reggae Pasta. The sides complemented the main dish perfectly. The rice and beans were prepared in classic Jamaican style, adding authenticity to the meal.

The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the Reggae Pasta. The allspice was expertly balanced, and the dish delivered a satisfying kick, making it the star of the plate.

Final Verdict

I will definitely try more food in the future. I highly recommend this place if you are seeking distinctive cuisine in Columbia, S.C. I can not wait to try more menu items. I consumed the food so fast I forgot to take pictures!!!! More Pictures to come when I update this post.

Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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December 22, 2025