Haute Secrets Boston: Ming Tsai

Photo Credit: Ming Tsai

There isn’t much Boston’s beloved James Beard award winning celebrity chef, Ming Tsai, hasn’t done. He owns two restaurants in Boston, is the author of five cookbooks and the host of his own television show, and most recently announced a partnership with Foody Direct.

The chef/owner of Blue Dragon and Blue Ginger launched the Simply Ming store on the site and is now a spokesperson for the brand.

The shop features some of his best creations, including sake-miso marinated sablefish (butterfish) and braised short rib and Chinese celery potstickers as well as a newly created dish, his PekingDucken (duck, chicken, and squab stuffed with sticky rice crawfish étouffée stuffing in a Chinese black vinegar molasses soy sauce).

We recently caught up with Tsai to find out what he loves most about Boston.

Where were you born: Newport Beach, CA

How long in Boston: I first came to Boston in 1979 when I went to Andover Prep School. I used to do Chinatown runs because the food in Andover was horrible and plus they would serve me “cold tea”. I fell in love with Boston and have now been here for 20 years.

Neighborhood: Needham/Natick

Occupation: Chef, Executive Producer, Host, Author

Favorite Restaurant: Gourmet Dumpling House on Beach Street (Sliced Fish Szechwan Style)

Best Sushi: Oishii Boston

Best Italian: La Campana in Waltham

Best dessert: Japonaise Bakery & Cafe – Adzuki Bean Donut

Best place for a romantic date: My home… or a window seat at the Bristol lounge (Four Seasons)

Best Sunday brunch: Stella in South End

Best place for a power business meeting: Avery Bar at the Ritz

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Eliot Suites cause you can eat Ken Oringer’s food or Seaport Hotel because its the hottest area in Boston

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Prudential Center

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Lux Bond & Green for jewelry, Apple store for watches

Best Spa: Bella Santé in Wellesley

Favorite Charity Event: Cooking LIVE Boston for Family Reach. We financially help families who have a child with cancer. I am proudly the President of the National Advisory Board. Please check out familyreach.org.

Favorite Cultural Event: Chinese New Year cause its all about food

Favorite Cultural Institution: Museum of Modern Art MOMA

Best Steakhouse: Abe & Louie’s, Back Bay

Best Pizza: Out where I live – Alta Strada, In town – Santarpios (Not new to me but new to the area – Frank Pepe’s Chestnut Hill)

Best Lunch: Row 34

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Bikram Yoga in Natick

Best Massage: The Geoghegan’s (husband & wife team Shannon & Larry at the Metro west Natick massage and healing arts

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Weldon Coach

Best Museum/Exhibit: Children’s Museum, especially if you have children

Describe Boston in three words: Better than NYC

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Fenway Park

All-around favorite spot in Boston: Public Gardens

Best Aspect of Boston: Die hard sports fans, delicious restaurant/bar scene, awesome sports town, and wicked good people.