Blue Ginger
What People Are Saying About Blue Ginger
The Editor
Eric Grossman
Citysearch
The Scene
Fans of Ming Tsai's television shows and product lines flock to quiet Wellesley Center hoping to catch a glimpse of the star at work in the restaurant's colorful open kitchen. Eager, well-informed servers deliver certain dishes with the chef's instructions (e.g. wrap the shiitake-leek spring rolls in lettuce before dipping in the chile sauce). Warm woods and soft lighting make both the lounge and dining areas inviting and pleasant.
The Food
Blue Ginger supplies a master lesson in the subtleties of Asian-European fusion. Ethereal shumai--stuffed with foie gras and shitake mushrooms--benefit from a subtle sauternes-shallot broth, while tea-smoked salmon and beef carpaccio catch some zing from a fresh wasabi emulsion. Tsai's signature entrée features a divinely oily fish like black cod or butterfish, marinated overnight in sake and miso. Exceptional desserts like caramelized pineapple upside-down cake and sesame-pecan-caramel tart feature wild homemade ice creams (roasted banana, fennel-vanilla, cardamom).
User Reviews
eframes
June 23, 2009
I normally don't write reviews but I feel it's important to write this one. We have been to Blue Ginger many times...particularly for special occasions. I've yet to have a bad meal and tonight's meal was wonderful as well. However, when I made my reservations I was asked if this was a special occasion and I replied, "Yes, our friends special anniversary". Upon entering the restaurant, I approached the hostess and again mentioned that our friends are celebrating their special anniversary and asked if she would relay the message to our table wait staff. "Not a problem", she said. We ordered several desserts and I was very disappointed that all my efforts, my request was ignored. I left the restaurant quite sad and apologized to our guests. I will admit that I was delighted to see the restaurant filled on a Tuesday evening in a bad economy...but negligence is unacceptable!
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WeeklyDine
January 11, 2009
Truly a let down. Staff was unfriendly and cold, food was average at best. I do not know why they are so busy becuase no one really cares that you are there and absolutely no one cares if you do not enjoy your meal even when you leave you entire dish in front of you untouched. Maxwells 148 is about 2 miles away right past Wellesley College on Rt 135 and 10 times better.
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kalliepayne
November 29, 2008
Went here 5 years ago for a first date and had been excited to go because I had heard wonderful things about this place. The food was not good back then and has not improved as of my visit last night, either. I am a fan of Ming's tv show, and the recipes on it are always great. Somehow, the restaurant just doesn't live up to Ming's reputation. Yes, the Butterfish is good. Maybe even very good. And my Vanilla mint cream soda was fabulous- my favorite part of the meal. The staff is great, too. But the Tuna tartare appetizer was one of the most tasteless dishes I've ever had, and the sauce served with the calamari was pretty foul. I really hope he revamps the menu or figures out how to make this place works as the type of food is promising and I love the restaurant's location.
read full reviewThe Details on Blue Ginger
Where to Sit:
Diners in the outer room can watch the busy kitchen, but will endure more clatter. Back room tables are better for schmoozing without shouting.
Know Before You Go:
Be sure to reserve a table; few drop-ins at the bar graduate to the dining room.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Business Dining, Online Reservations, Group Dining, Bar Scene
Cuisine:
Pan-Asian & Pacific Rim, Eclectic & International, New American, Asian
Smoking Permitted:
No
