New MS Coast restaurant features renowned chefs, flavorful menu of Asian specialties
Two of the most renowned Asian chefs in South Mississippi have joined forces to open Hurley Hibachi in Ocean Springs.
Hung Hurley and Scott Khong have been friends for 20 years. Together they transformed what was Ichiban at 803 Bienville Blvd. into a bright and inviting space. They put together a large menu of hibachi and Thai dishes and will add Khong’s famous sushi early next year, he said.
Khong worked at South Beach in Miami before moving to South Mississippi. In 2021, he closed his very popular sushi restaurant in Ocean Springs to care for his 12-year old son, who had been diagnosed with leukemia.
In 2023, with his son well again, he opened a smaller sushi restaurant on Thorn Avenue in Ocean Springs. He since closed that to concentrate on this new restaurant.
“It’s my love, my life,” Khong said about cooking food for his loyal customers in South Mississippi.
Hurley worked at Yuki’s restaurant and has been catering for 14 years. His long-time customers are finding him at this new restaurant.
“They love the Thai food and hibachi,” he said.
The newly remodeled restaurant has a hibachi dining room with about 40 seats around the Hibachi tables. The main dining room seats about 50 more and a third dining room will have the sushi bar and more tables.
Skilled chefs from California and Arkansas are working with Kohng and Hurley to turn out the extensive menu that includes appetizers, soups, main dishes and a children’s menu.
“Come for your health,” Khong says. The menu features vegetarian options and choices for those who love seafood and those who prefer steak and chicken.
To start are appetizers like stuffed jalapenos, scallops, shrimp and crab rangoon or the soup of the day.
Favorites like fried rice and sweet and sour are on them menu, along with chicken, steak, shrimp, scallops and salmon teriyaki, served at lunch and dinner, with soup of side salad and steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables or a yellow curry with peppers, onion, potatoes and asparagus.
The hibachi menu also features several vegetarian options along with combinations of steak with chicken, shrimp or scallops. Celebrate with a combination of filet mignon and scallops or lobster tail or share a seafood lovers feast.
The children’s menu for ages 10 and younger features hibachi, made in front of them, with chicken, steak, shrimp or vegetables only.
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and beer is available. Customers can dine in, take out and arrange for catering.
