In the Mix

Tonya Lewis Lee answering questions at RIFF’s “A Conversation with Tonya Lewis Lee,” which was moderated by Lisa Simmons. (L-R): Tonya Lewis Lee and Lisa Simmons. (Photo: Jess Fondry)

East Meets West …

One of the latest and much anticipated restaurants to open this year is Ming Tsai’s Blue Dragon restaurant located right in Fort Point Channel. On the night we went, the place was buzzing with locals throughout the 80-seat restaurant and bar.

Described as an “Asian gastro pub,” one of the best things about the place is the tapas-style menu filled with food that you can share or happily eat all by yourself. The small plates reflect Tsai’s renowned “East-West twist” on American pub food. Dinner included one of the specials of the night, a fantastic lobster spring roll, which was served to us by Tsai himself. What a treat!

It was followed by the shrimp shumai which was superb. It was so good we actually ordered a second serving. Next up was the Bison mini burgers with teriyaki caramelized onions and shiitake mushrooms followed up with sweet and sour pork ribs. There wasn’t a morsel left on the plate.

Believe it or not there was still room left for dessert and since there’s only one on the menu, we had to try the Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie which was served warm and topped with ice cream and soy caramel sauce. As the French would say, “magnifique!”

And, lest we forget, Blue Dragon has a pretty extensive list of craft beers, wines, premium sakes and signature cocktails. So, if you’re looking to try a little of the Far East you don’t have to go far. It’s right in the neighborhood of South Boston.

With still a yen for Pan-Asian fare, on another night we visited Moksa Restaurant in Central Square. Again, shrimp shumai began the dinner experience, this time consisting of Tobiko (flying fish roe), ginger soy and chili oil drizzle. The food just kept coming after that.

The restaurant opened in March of last year and is a really cool place to go to if you’re on a date, having lunch with friends on the patio or if you’re in the mood for simply meeting up for drinks. It’s the perfect neighborhood spot if you live in Cambridge or if not, it’s definitely worth a trip over the Mass. Ave Bridge.

Summertime Fun …

One of the best movies now in theatres is the really sweet and funny coming-of-age story The Way Way Back written and directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash. Their names may not ring a bell but the two are known in Hollywood as Oscar winners for writing the film The Descendants, which starred George Clooney.

The duo make their directing debut with The Way Way Back. Shot last summer in Marshfield and at the water park Water Wizz in East Wareham, the film tells the story of 14-year-old Duncan’s (Liam James) summer vacation with his mom, “Pam” starring the wonderful Toni Collette, her overbearing boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell) and his daughter, Steph (Zoe Levin). The story follows the introverted and awkward Duncan whose having a rough time fitting in and meets an unlikely friend in the wildly colorful “Owen” played by Sam Rockwell, who just so happens to be the manager of the Water Wizz water park.

Through his friendship with Owen, Duncan slowly opens up to and begins to finally find his place in the world. This film is a must-see!

Coming Up …

For all you General Hospital fans out there, the Wilbur presents Steve Burton (a.k.a. “Jason Morgan”) and Friends this Saturday, July 13 at 3 p.m. To purchase tickets go to www.thewilbur.com.