We were in Canberra this year for our anniversary (21/2) and without much in the way of knowing where fine dining is at, we opted for the swanky looking Blu Ginger restaurant in the CBD.
Ambience ****
Blu Ginger is HUGE. Every time we walked past, the modern look of the restaurant and the gorgeous set-up made me 100% sure this was fine dining. Seductive with a touch of industrialism, you'll find a cement block column smack bang in the middle of the restaurant obstructing your people watching, a tall, tall, tall ceiling, tiled floors and wooden furnishings, and floor to ceiling windows. A deep purple back wall is cut by a huge yellow/ orange logo flower and red bench. The textured side wall is fun to touch if you're at a table sidled up against it. One thing that really irked me and is easily missed by the passerby are wall mounted TVs with tacky ads - why show patrons this stuff? We're already here to enjoy the food... I couldn't hear any music, but wouldn't have over the din of other diners - this is a party/ group atmosphere, not an intimate locale. The table across from us were there for a pre-party meal (and booze), and I spotted a few corporate groups as well.
Service ***
They tried. We were seated quickly, provided water, and drinks orders taken quickly. Our order was taken equally as quickly by the same waitress who was smiling and polite even if she looked a little too busy. On the other hand, when we downed our water out of sheer fire dowsing necessity and asked for another bottle, they brought beer instead. And when we waved it away and asked for water again, another waiter tried to bring it back. I put this down to either the dining volume being so loud the first waitress couldn't hear us properly, or that she is from a non-English speaking background and didn't quite get it but thought she had. Unfortunately it seems noone had time to ask us how our meals were, and if I'd been asked I'd have requested a pot of raita or a glass of milk. That's all it would have taken to make my meal a more enjoyable experience.
Food ***
I asked for advice on a mild dish and received a look of confusion - surely there was something on the menu a chilli scaredy cat could have without fear of a fiery demise? (I love Indian food, but I like it mild so I can taste the full spectrum of flavours and not die from spontaneous combustion.) Turns out the look of confusion might have been because everything on the menu tastes like burning and I should have known that. We went for the Tandoor platter for two to start, which was fragrant and varied in flavour, presented well with minimal garnish, and quite nice (particularly the lamb) until I felt the spicy start to creep up on me. Looking forward to my main of sagwala with chicken (I asked for mild), what I received was a beautiful dark green creamy curry. Relieved, I dug in, only to have a hole burnt through my tongue by the third bite (might mention this is where I started to down water like a camel). I scooped out all the chicken I could find, scraped enough of the curry off and finished my meal, switching between hubby's naan and the water to get through it. We passed on dessert and decided to retreat for the night back to our hotel room - just to be on the safe side.
Overall
I'd like to know what a quiet night at Blu Ginger would be like - would the staff be a little more attentive or knowledgable?
The prices here are typical Asia Pacific restaurant prices, which was a surprise given the upper class atmosphere; you're looking at about $16-21 for a main, $6-10 for an entree. Sides are extra of course: saffron rice, pappadums and naan all between $3-6 per side. read more