ASIAN SPECIALTIES: “We are set apart by our presentation, special recipes, fresh ingredients, consistency, and friendly service. We look forward to serving you. Aja means ‘welcome’ in Hindi,” says Cindy Lim, manager of AJA Asian Cuisine & Lounge. Shown in the entry way of the restaurant is a striking image of a dragon, significant in Chinese culture, as it symbolizes “good luck, power, and nobility,” says Ms. Lim.

AJA Asian Cuisine & Lounge, the new restaurant at 1736 Route 206 in Skillman, is looking forward to a long stay. The location has previously been home to several restaurants, which for various reasons, closed their doors after relatively brief duration.

This is not the plan for AJA Asian Cuisine & Lounge, emphasizes manager Cindy Lim. “We are definitely here to stay. This is an excellent location between Princeton and Montgomery. It’s near to both, with ample and convenient parking. This will be our ‘home’ for a long time.”

Certainly, the previous experience of those in charge is a plus here. Owner Jason Lin owns two other Asian cuisine restaurants: Ganga Asian Bistro in Matawan and AJA in New Brunswick. Originally from China, Mr. Lin is a hands-on owner, who is seriously involved in all areas of the restaurant, says Ms. Lim, who was born in Malaysia and who has also had experience in other restaurants.

“Jason designed the interior. He wanted it to be unique, and he had very definite ideas of how he wanted it to be. We did an entire renovation,” she explains.

Spacious Setting

It is surely attractive. Its spacious setting seats 240 inside, with room for 40 on the outside patio, which features a zen garden design. While the interior is very large, it offers an appealing array of seating options, including smaller enclaves, with welcoming dining arrangements.

Highlights include the bar area with long island-like tables featuring intriguing design and under-lighting, a lounge area, including chair and table groupings with dragon motif, two private party rooms, one equipped with projection and sound systems both for entertaining and business meeting purposes, and of course, the very popular sushi bar.

The contemporary Asian decor is on full display with special wall decorations, and as diners enter, they are greeted by a relaxing koi pond, which helps to establish the welcoming atmosphere that the restaurant exudes.

The food in this exciting new restaurant is superior, observes Ms. Lim, adding, ”What is special about AJA Asian Cuisine & Lounge is the look and the taste of the food. Its presentation is important, and everything is always fresh, especially the fish. And the consistency is so important. People can count on that. They know our food will always be excellent.”

The AJA Asian fusion or pan Asian cuisine includes Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Malaysian, she explains. “Our chefs all have specialties in these different cuisines, and I think that Asian food generally is popular in the U.S. because not only is it something different, it is also very healthy. Our food is generally not deep-fried; we use olive oil, and everything is always very fresh. This is a priority.”

Lunch and dinner are offered as well as catering, and many items have become favorites with the customers, reports Ms. Lim. “One of the most popular entrees is braised crispy red snapper, which is a whole red snapper filleted, including white asparagus with Chinese demi glaze.”

Thai-Style

Other popular fusion dishes are Yuzu Sesame Tuna with Asian pear, orange, mango, avocado, and roe, served with citrus sauce; Sushi Pizza with tuna, salmon, white tuna poppers, onion, tomatoes, in spicy aioli crunchy flakes — pizza style.

Other entree specialties include tropical mango chicken or shrimp,; Thai-stye basil chicken or shrimp; Malaysian coconut red curry chicken or shrimp; beef negimaki; General Tzo’s chicken; and various hibachi-style chicken, shrimp, beef, and salmon dishes.

AJA Wok & Grill signature dishes include coconut glazed chicken; tangerine roasted duck; New Zealand rack of lamb; and Malaysian-style red curry with veggie and tofu or chicken or shrimp; and Thai green curry.

Sushi and sashimi offer many choices, and the list of appetizers is long and varied. The Malaysian/Thai chicken satay with homemade peanut sauce; AJA Asian fusion style duck roll, and rock shrimp tempura are all in demand.

Japanese-style starters include tuna wasabi dumplings, scallops with wasabi sauce; and Kumamoto oysters, among many other popular choices.

A variety of lunch specials offers the popular Bento Box, served with soup, salad, rice, and one selection of appetizer, roll, and entree. In addition, a large variety of the traditional Asian rolls is available.

“We also have choices of vegetarian dishes, and we can accommodate all dietary needs,” says Ms. Lim.

“Shark Eye”

AJA also offers an array of wines, beer, and spirits. Its choice of cocktails is intriguing with the “Lychee Martini, which includes our exclusive vodka, lychee puree, and dash of pineapple, a big favorite,” notes Ms. Lim. “Another is the ‘Shark Eye,’ served in a special ‘shark mouth’ drinking glass with small batch bourbon, rye, and Tiki Bitters. It will remind people of an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.”

Other cocktail specialties are the “Purple Haze” and “Thai Basil Bliss”. Happy Hour is offered Monday through Thursday with drinks available at a 30 percent discount.

Prices start at $3 for appetizers, $2 for individual Sushi/Sashimi; $13 for Fusion/Sushi and Sashimi entrees; $17 for Wok/Grill entrees, and $10 for lunch items.

A variety of desserts, teas, and other beverages is also available.

Ms Lim reports that customer response is very enthusiastic, with diners, including families, coming from Princeton and the surrounding area. People of Asian heritage are enjoying the opportunity for Asian fusion cuisine, as are others of all backgrounds. There are many repeat customers even in the few months the restaurant has been open. Food critics have been very complimentary as has been the on-line commentary. The restaurant has received high praise from the public and critics alike.

“We are definitely off to a good start,” says Ms. Lim. “I want everyone to know about AJA. My focus is on customer service, and I like the interaction with customers. I want them all to feel very welcome. People are really getting to know us, and I enjoy meeting them all, and especially seeing them come back again.

“We have an excellent staff, including both Asians and Caucasians. They are very knowledgeable, a good team working together, and they enjoy advising customers about our cuisine. Every day is different and exciting, and we want to be sure to make the customers happy. That is Number One. We want everyone to know AJA!

“We are also available for events and parties, and have already had a bar mitzvah here.”

The restaurant is open seven days: Monday through Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 4:30 to 10; Friday 4:30 to 11:30; Saturday 12:30 to 11:30; Sunday 12:30 to 10. (908) 262-2512. Website: ajamontgomery.com.