Benny is Never Wrong

Oriental Cuisine featuring Chinese (Szechwan and Cantonese) and Japanese (Hand Rolls, Sushi, Sashimi, Tempura, Teriyaki and Udon.)

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Benny recommends the China Sky in Wellesley,” my wife Wendy said in response to my unasked question. It was around lunch time in Wellesley on a Saturday and she was feeling hungry.
“What does your hair stylist know about eating out?” I asked peevishly, “ You tell me he only goes out to one or two places.”
“That’s true,” replied Wendy “But his hair styling clients are dining out all the time and they tell him which are the good restaurants and he tells me.”
Benny is usually right in these matters and we started our search for China Sky somewhere in Wellesley. Benny told Wendy that China Sky was just off Route 16 (Washington St) in Wellesley on the same street as an Italian restaurant. We soon found a modest white building almost hidden at 11 Forest Street diagonally across the way from a Bertucci’s restaurant.

We entered the foyer, passing through the attractive wooden oriental doors and were greeted by a sparkling clean large room with numerous tables with white tablecloths set in a modern Oriental decor. To the left just inside the front door there is a private room that can seat a party of about twenty. Overhead there is a large wooden tapered sculpture consisting of narrow dark wooden ribs contrasting against the seafoam ceiling and walls. This highly stylized fish runs the length of the ceiling and quite naturally leads the eye to the sushi bar at the end of the room. Large windows run down the length of the right side of the room. In keeping with overall modern Oriental theme the windows had frosted overlays resembling I Ching trigrams. Soft oriental music played in the background. We were there for lunch dressed in our hiking cloyhes; I suspect the evening diners dress a little more upscale than we were.

After we were seated the waiter delivered some very crispy Fried Wontons with Duck Sauce and the hot tea. We studied the Appetizer menu which listed 18 selections ranging from a Vegetable Spring roll for $2.50 up to Lobster Soong for $ 14.95 or Chicken Soong for $10.95. We didn’t opt for Soong with black mushrooms and lettuce for wrapping but rather decided to stick with the Fried Wontons that came with the table. Wendy ordered her usual diet cola. Whenever I dine out I order an inexpensive Chardonnay ($6.95), expecting to find that Holy Grail of wine - a perfect balance of fruity flavors with a slight hint of oak. This Chardonnay was more like a friendly nod from a passing clergyman with very mild flavors and no detectable oak.

The menu features both Chinese and Japanese entrees along with luncheon specials. Lunch is served Monday through Saturday 11:30 am to 3:00 pm with most selections costing between $6.95 and $9.95. After considering the Ginger Chicken with String Beans ($7.95) and the Tangerine Chicken ($9.95) Wendy decided on the Dynasty Duo ($9.95) as it comes with a choice of Hot and Sour soup, Miso soup or Chicken Corn Chowder. Wendy chose the Hot and Sour soup and opined: “The best! Wasn’t too hot and may not be spicy enough for some.” It was devoid of pepper - her preference for Hot and Sour soup. For a small touch of elegance, it arrived in a small bowl with a ceramic spoon No plastic tableware here. In fact the table was set with a white table cloth, long handled heavy tableware, neatly folded cloth napkins and plates with tiny pink flowers, a flowered teapot and matching tea cups. The chairs had sea foam green backs matching the ceiling and walls. The Dynasty Duo had Jumbo Shrimp, Shredded Chicken, Black Mushrooms, Shredded Snow Peas, and Broccoli, all in a Garlic Sauce. The overall impression: Excellent with the vegetables cooked perfectly, the Garlic Sauce not too overwhelming, with the rice devoid of the usual oily taste. For those who might be weight aware it was a reasonable sized luncheon portion.

For my entrée I selected Seafood Tempura ($17.95) from the Japanese section of the menu. Each of the four Tempura selections and several other entrées come with Miso soup, a small salad, and rice. After the bland Miso soup, the salad arrived with a nice mixture of crisp lettuce, very fresh ripe tomato slices, and some interesting carrot strings. This was all topped with dollop of a mild ginger dressing. Seafood Tempura at the China Sky contains Shrimp, Scallops, Whitefish, Crabstick, and various sliced vegetables all deep fried in a light golden batter. Many Tempura batters are heavy with an oily taste; this Tempura was perfectly done and went well with the dipping sauce.

The reviewer’s opinion - an overall rating of Excellent (A) and once again “Benny is never wrong.”

Directions:
11 Forest street in Wellesley on Rt. 16 (Washington St)
is just south of the junction of Rt. 16 and Rt. 9.
Hours:
Mon - Thurs 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Fri – Sat 11:30 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday 12:00pm – 10:00 pm