VEGAN EATERS HERE. To be honest, I'm perplexed by some of the reviews here, some just downright mean. "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but not their own facts". Wild Ginger is an absolute jewel of a restaurant, full of calm and, amazing food! I've lived in the Bay Area and Los Angeles and I know good Thai/Asian fusion food and this ranks up there with some of the best, very similar to Tommy Tang in his heyday on Melrose Ave. or, the legendary Mu Du Noodles in Santa Fe.
Yes, the prices are a bit higher than they might be in Santa Maria or SLO but you are in a small resort town, a bit isolated and, where rents are clearly high. Suck it up and say Thank You! The owner/chef, Deborah Mok goes very far out of the way to source the finest organic ingredients, everything is so fresh it was startling, with tastes being so layered and richly spiced, sauced and just luscious, not laden with corn starched sauces or soy sauce.
There were four of us, two of us are vegan so I will concentrate on our food; for starts a crispy fried tofu satay in a peanut sauce that had us licking the plate, served over freshly steamed spinach to start. Even the tofu tasted different...I asked what brand was used and the owner went to the kitchen returning with a box of the tofu which I know to be a superior brand, it tasted it.
Moving on to the Wild Ginger Curry with gently sautéed tofu, vegetables, freshly shredded daikon, and cilantro with heat to excite and coconut cream to calm. The brown rice was perfect, not starchy or sticky, there was even a side dish of FRESH chutney. Then, Sczechuan Tofu, loaded with fresh vegetables including baby squash with the blossoms in tact, cashews, even fresh figs with garlic and lots of fresh chiles. We shared everything and were in HEAVEN.
Our companions had a "Stuffed Egglpant" special, that looked remarkable but had fish sauce. We were told that with a little notice it could be made vegan for us and, another special, a "Pan Fried Noodles with Pork", which did look luscious and, again, told it could easily be made vegan next time.
There were three or four housemade desserts that sounded amazing but, it was the fresh made sorbets which got to us. We ordered pomegranate, FRESH coconut and, passionfruit. We were not disappointed.
The restaurant business is not an easy endeavor and I would just suggest that people try to consider a little more carefully before criticizing a place for serving shrimp "from a supermarket, expecting giant prawns". The integrity of Wild Ginger is beyond that sort of comment. Just a thought. We can't wait to come back. Thank you, Deborah read more