Ming Teh Chinese Restaurant

fantasy makeover part 1

Ming the’s is right on the river with a beautiful view and that could be enhanced with some landscaping and subtle lanterns. I can see a patio garden on the back that would be a huge hit on sunny days. A solid frosted sunshade roof providing shelter and kitchen herbs and climbing flowers creating open walls, an oasis of peace for business luncheons and relaxing tourists. It was dark when we arrived and I did not see much of the front of the building as we walked around from the parking area, so I will leave the outside for someone else to re-design and focus on the inside. The entrance; there is a lot of space here that needs help I want to feel like I am walking into a temple, a sanctuary ream coloured walls, some of those lovely paintings, tasteful maroon armchairs or settees inviting diners wait for their table to open. I want someone there to greet me who makes me feel like I am their personal guest. A good memory for names in a host or hostess can ensure that your regulars remain your regulars. People bring their friends to places where they are greeted by name, that is a fact. The washrooms could easily be transformed with a bit of paint and some living plants and lighting. Frame the mirrors, hang some decent paintings and have good hand soap. It’s all in the details. I would go with more subtle colours in the overall decor, perhaps a deep maroon and ivory offset with hunter green and royal blue in accent. That would compliment the interesting paintings that gallery the entrance, though I would suggest a tasteful display throughout the rooms would allow one to appreciate them better. The hall leading to the dining rooms may be short but it could be quite elegant with a bit of enhancement, and as suggested, the gallery of paintings has far too many frames in a row, distributing them around the whole place would unify the atmosphere. The first dining area was not open on the night we were there, but I imagine it is full in season. It makes sense to do it this way, but an expanse of empty tables creates a distinct impression on first time visitors, an ‘Oh oh, have we made a mistake?” sensation. A couple of properly placed, aesthetic paper screens may be one way to shift this effect on nights they do not expect to be busy. The second dining area is partitioned by a glass wall which is perfectly creates a sensation of separation while maintaining a sense of expansiveness. Proper lighting with dimmer switches against the window wall here, and a few live vining plants could enhance the feeling of coziness without losing the spacious effect. Use the large back window facing the river in all seasons as the focal point of the restaurant, situating romantic couple tables along the window, with room for the larger parties bracketing so the line from the kitchen is unobstructed for the servers. Tables need to be larger to accommodate a smoother service, I like the places that have the wheel in the centre of the table so that passing of dishes is graceful, our table of four sat three, yet felt crowded and it was awkward to serve oneself. The place settings aught to compliment the graciousness of the food, Deep maroon table cloths with Ivory overlay for the lazy susan. Ivory cloth napkins, water and wine glasses and decent chopsticks with holders would shift the whole experience into five stars. Comfortable elegant chairs make the diners feel like Kings and Queens, and they will stay long enough for desert and liqueurs.

Pleased with Potential

I am writing this the morning after meeting friends at Ming Teh for dinner. I am not hungry. Chinese food is suppose to leave you hungry again in three hours, or not feeling very well the next day. That’s our tradition here in the Americas, but Ming Teh is one of the places changing that tradition. You will see no plastic dragons or fancy fans, you have to ask for chop sticks, and there are certainly no packages of sauces or extra condiments on the table. The food is very good, it would be insulting to think you could better the flavourings. A table of dedicated foodies, we were really enjoying the subtle flavours of each other’s soups, dipping hand rolled crispy spring rolls into a tangy sauce that stirred discussions on the virtues of our keen palates. The main dishes were tantalizing. Fried rice turned out to be a cloud of buttery jasmine tumbled with fresh veggies, infused with a perfume we could not identify. The vegetables and spices were fresh and still crisp, the cashews crunchy and the shrimp pink and tender, and were delivered enfolded in delicate sauces that set our tongues dancing. One member had asked the difference between dried tofu and regular, and the server thoughtfully provided her a piece of steamed tofu with that dish so she could distinguish the flavours and textures herself. Savory and subtle or spicy and playful, we compared the dishes and enjoyed the chef’s presentation of gastronomical delights. We will most definitely return. We already have chosen what we want to order next time. I don't really have a critique though I do have some suggestions for improvement. Mings is a little out of the way and is third in a row of Chinese restaurants with not a lot of visibility. They could play on that. They could be the little secret you have to know about, the place that friends surprise friends with, where loyal customers come back for all special occasions, the place that when you bring your date, you score big points for knowing about it. They need a makeover in service and presentation though. I do not have room in this review for all I envisioned in my makeover fantasies, may do a follow up review for that.

so flavorfull

this was our 4th time to Ming Teh, and I can't wait to go back and work thru the menu! The hot and sour rice is the best, the flavors of all the food just jump out at you. I love spice and garlic, so it is perfect for me. The hostess Wendy is warm and so was our waitress.

We attended the Dim Sum evening. It was awesome. The food was well spaced so that you could enjoy each dish. the hot and sour soup and the steamed dumplings are my favourite.

If you crave both bland and overcooked, this is certainly it.

Hard to understand the rave reviews for this spot? Nice that people love it but those who call this "Real Chinese" have never visited Toronto's real chinatown. Overcooked right down to the cashews that sport the texture of a fresh gummie bear.