In Shelton: Sushi and hibachi at Wild Kanji

Written by Kate Czaplinski
Friday, 24 August 2012 10:27

There's a hibachi and sushi spot in Shelton, and the creative decor, expansive space and sushi deals are making it one that is growing in popularity, according to its manager. Wild Kanji, at 514 Bridgeport Avenue, is under new ownership and opened last November with remodeled dining room and bar and new menu. One of the attractions is an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet, according to manager Cathy Ren.

"We serve all you can eat sushi - $13.99 for lunch and $25.99 for dinner," Ren said. "There's a lot of competition in this area but I think that really sets us apart. It's a great deal for sushi lovers that you can't find anywhere else around here." The buffet, Friday through Sunday is $16.99 for lunch and $28.99 for dinner. Kids under 10 are half price.

Another draw are happy hour deals, Monday through Friday, from 4 to 6 p.m., where all drinks and appetizers are half off.

If you enjoy some entertainment with your meal you likely won't have a long wait for a hibachi table, since there are 12 hibachi tables that can fit 10 people each - 120 people total.

Kids are usually a big fan of the Koi pond at the front of the restaurant, filled with fish, according to the manager.

Ren helped in a lot of the revamping of the interior. The booths in the dining room are decorated with "kanji" the restaurant's namesake, a form of Japanese writing using Chinese characters. But the name "Wild Characters" can also have a double-meaning, referring to people, Ren said.

There are many eye-catching touches, whether it be unique table lamps turned upside down and attached to the ceiling or the penny bar.

The dining room menu has a mix of Asian flavors, including a few Thai options and favorite Chinese dishes.

Sushi and sashimi, a la carte, range in price from $3.99 to $5.99 or sushi lovers can try sushi bar entrees or several specialty rolls like the Pink Lady - crunchy spicy tuna, with sliced tuna, salmon and avocado - and many other choices.

The hibachi menu has standard offerings, like chicken, salmon, shrimp, steak, sea bass and more.

There is also a kids menu.

The restaurant has gotten creative with the drink menu too. Wild Kanji offers drinks like the large scorpion bowls, their own sake-tini and homemade sake sangria.

Lunch specials are served seven days a week. Party tray menus for corporate events are available and Wild Kanji has free delivery to corporate offices within a few miles - there is a $30 minimum purchase.

To learn more, visit wildkanji.com or call 203-929-8333 or 203-929-8222.

Wild Kanji is open Monday through Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.

The bar inside of Wild Kanji at 514 Bridgeport Avenue, has many decorations inside, including the penny bar.

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