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.
Fashion
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