Inatome reborn in Valley Stream

Having been destroyed by fire in 2010, Inatome Japanese Steak House has risen again.

Now known as Inatome Japanese Steak House & Sushi, the new version is actually two restaurants under one roof, according to manager Keiji Inatome, whose parents,  Seizaburo and Katsuko Inatome, opened the place in 1975. They are still the restaurant's owners.

Today, said Keiji Inatome, the restaurant has a sushi bar and serves traditional Japanese fare in a separate dining room under the aegis of chef Hiroki Nagahashi. On the other side is a hibachi area, under the command of chef Yoshiyuki Oji. Here, 11 hibachi tables are equipped with smokeless downdraft ventilation for a safer and smoke-free environment. Inatome said he worked closely with the town’s fire marshals to make sure the new system was up to code, although, he added, the previous fire was electrical and had nothing to do with the hibachi tables.

Inatome, whose background is in fashion and product design, said he designed the interior of the place, which also has a lounge and bar area. “I was inspired with East-West, old-new, complex and simple,” Inatome said. In a place of honor, at the center of the restaurant, stands a porcelain welcome cat “Maneki-Neko,” which survived the fire and continues to greet guests.

Inatome Japanese Steak House is at 6 5th St., Valley Stream, 516-872-0419.