I was a bit hesitant to write about Blue Bamboo today. I HAD been looking forward to it, after reserving an evening for my wife's birthday and our closest friends. I've been visiting them since before they opened (I got lucky enough to be a guest during their trial week), and have always found their food and experience five star all the way.
So why four stars? Well, it wasn't quite as good this time around. The menu had changed up a bit. We started with some crab wontons, which were a little strong in the onion department, and the dragon whiskers (a must-have; straws of lightly battered and fried zucchini with an amazing cilantro oil based dipping sauce).
The ladies both opted for chicken and broccoli, but were disappointed...didn't seem much above your usual Chinese take-out fare. The sauce was almost non-existent, and very little flavor. Our server empathized, and brought them out a side of more flavorful and darker sauce.
I opted for the lamb chops, which are some of the best I've had anywhere. Four (or seven, depending on your appetite) of nicely Frenched chops, cooked to perfection, with a nice sear on the outside and tender and juicy in the middle. It comes with steamed rice and seared bok choi. None of these tempted the ladies, but for those who love lamb, this is the real deal.
The desserts were nice as well. I LOVE the Thai tea creme brulee. It's one of the best of its kind. Perfectly crispy top, then a creamy flavor livened up by bits of real tea leaves. We also opted for their caramel brownie, served with ice cream and baked to perfection, putting a smile on all our faces.
One of my wife's favorites is their tea, which they will serve with an actual frozen ice cube of tea...very cool touch! I'd like to comment on some of the other dishes I've savored with them in the past, but again, the menu has changed, so a lot of those are becoming just a sense memory.
The service is always first rate, and I love the ambiance of the small place. We've met Chef Dennis before...a very nice gentleman with a lot of creative talent for Asian fusion. I also happen to know this place is a favorite of two of our best friends from Los Angeles...whenever they're in town, Blue Bamboo is a must for both of them.
Oh, and lest I forget, they always start you with flax seed crackers and their edamame spread. This beats any bread and butter dish in town. Be prepared to fight your friends and your loved ones for those last bits!
There's a lot to choose from, but sadly, it was a bad first impression for our friend who had never eaten their before. When you go, you might be better suited to go bold with one of their more creative dishes, and not go with what you can find in any Chinese restaurant.
We'll definitely be back, and maybe by then, I'll be more ready to give Blue Bamboo the 5 star rating it almost always deserves. read more