By Sarah Reese
It only took half an hour for the word to spread.
The soft opening for Kennett Square’s newest dining establishment, Lily, had barely begun before passersby started wandering in. The friends and family opening had been, until then, an invite-only event – but Suki Li, half of the husband/wife duo behind the fledgling restaurant, was found warmly welcoming all of those who found their way to the Borough’s first pan-Asian eatery. Those looking for somewhere to dine were pleasantly surprised to be invited in and treated to dinner! Soon, the dining room(s!) were filled to the brim – the more, the merrier!
Suki and her husband, Tony Liu, offer a comprehensive and so far, delicious, menu. The pair spent over two hours sharing dishes and laying out a spread fit for royalty – a yummy buffet was set out, covering all counter space and a few nearby tables. The duo’s young daughter was helping out, pointing out her favorite dishes and bringing heaping plates of warm, salted edamame for tables.
Light, fresh salads of spinach and strawberry to start, followed by their Crispy Calamari, Tuna Tataki, and Pork Gyoza (traditional potstickers) and a group favorite, the Curried Spring Rolls. More than one (or three, shh) deep fried dumplings filled with crab and cheese found their way to each guests plate and were devoured in a flash. Sushi was disappearing as quickly as it was made – the aptly named Dynamite Roll was a hit! Yellowtail Tuna with avocado, cream cheese in soy paper – yum! The surprisingly spicy Las Vegas Roll (salmon and crab with cream cheese, asparagus tempura and spicy eel sauce) couldn’t have been better. Bowls of Kung Pao chicken and Thai Red Curry began appearing soon after, and everything was washed down with a refreshing Kirin Ichiban.
If the rest of the menu is as promising as the evening’s mouth-watering bites, Lily’s will see itself becoming a staple of Kennett Square. With menu items like the Million Dollar Roll ($11), the Sweetheart Roll ($12), the Out of Control Roll ($10), and Bento Boxes (entrees with miso soup, salad, crab Rangoon, sweet potato roll & rice, $8-$13) it seems like Lily’s is ready to step up to the plate. The inviting atmosphere and kind hosts – not to mention the affordable prices – will be a welcome addition to the town.
Lily opens to the public Friday, May 27 and will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. For those in a rush or feeding a large group, they gladly offer items to go and party platters fit for all.
P.S. – Did we mention that this BYOB offers All You Can Eat Sushi on Tuesdays? Tuesday can’t come fast enough!
Find Lily (Asian Cuisine, Sushi & Grill) at 104 W. State Street in Kennett Square. You may also reach them by phone at 610-925-3700 or find them on Facebook here. View more scenes from the evening by clicking here.
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