A Disastrous Dining Experience at Wild Ginger Asian Bistro
My wife and I recently had the misfortune of dining at Wild Ginger Asian Bistro in Lancaster, Ohio, and it was, without a doubt, one of the most disappointing restaurant experiences we've ever had.
Ambiance and Cleanliness:
Upon our arrival, we both noted the "rustic" exterior (as real estate agent Marge Simpson would say). It looks like they haven't updated or upkept the building since the 1970s. When we entered, we were immediately struck by the lackluster ambiance with décor that felt both dated and uninspired. To make matters worse, I managed to trip over the step leading to the raised dining area, which seats maybe two dozen people (not including the bar). Perhaps there's more seating somewhere else in the restaurant, but we didn't see any. The entire setup felt cramped and poorly thought out, adding to the overall disarray.
Service:
The service was abysmal. We were seated promptly (it wasn't busy), and our drink order was taken. This experience was extraordinary, though not in a good way: instead of simply writing down or remembering our order, the server turned toward the bar (no more than a dozen feet away) and yelled our order to the kitchen staff in her native language. This became the standard for every interaction we had, each time shouting orders across the restaurant rather than addressing us directly or with any semblance of professionalism.
If that wasn't distressing enough, I had ordered a lemon-lime soda. However, after another long wait, I was presented with tap water instead. When our server finally passed by again, I politely requested the correct beverage, only to receive yet another glass of tap water. After a third attempt, my wife intervened, only to witness the server fail to deliver the correct drink once again. The staff's complete indifference to our concerns and their total lack of courtesy made what should have been a simple dinner an aggravating ordeal.
Food:
If you've read this far and can believe it--we haven't even gotten to the most egregious part of our experience yet! The food wasn't just bad; it was an insult to the concept of preparation itself. In fact, it seemed as though the kitchen staff was unprepared to serve anything resembling a decent meal. My wife ordered the Shrimp Fried Rice, and it was a complete travesty. The few shrimp (a meager three) were scattered on top of a humongous mound of rice that could hardly be called "fried." As for my "Sizzling Steak," it would more accurately be titled "Overwhelming Onions." I found four or five slivers of meat buried beneath a mountain of onions and a few lonely red peppers. It was almost as if the chef had a deep personal grievance against anyone expecting a well-balanced plate.
Overall:
I would strongly advise anyone considering dining at Wild Ginger Asian Bistro to think twice. Our experience was nothing short of disastrous, and we will certainly not be returning. There are many other dining options in Lancaster that offer far superior food, service, and value. Wild Ginger Asian Bistro needs a serious overhaul in every aspect of its operation before it can even begin to call itself a reputable dining establishment. read more