We’d been to Wuji, the Asian Fusion restaurant that opened at 26 Purchase Street last year for dinner several time. We loved the seductive mood, the indigo blue walls and lanterns, and the Mai Tai’s, as well as the fresh organic food and the twists on classic Chinese dishes.

We’d been to Wuji, the Asian Fusion restaurant that opened at 26 Purchase Street last year for dinner several time. We loved the seductive mood, the indigo blue walls and lanterns, and the Mai Tai’s, as well as the fresh organic food and the twists on classic Chinese dishes.

 

When we heard that Wuji was now open for lunch, the entire staff found reason to leave the office and head up the street.

 

Instead of mixed drinks, we ordered white ginger pear iced tea and fresh squeezed Yuzu lemonade, which provided just the right amount of midday punch. Those diners choosing wine are able to select from a moderately priced list and an excellent variety of reds, whites, and sparkling wines.

 

Having half orders of the main dishes afforded us the opportunity to sample more. Our recommendations are the Tangerine Beef, which had just the right amount of kick, the elegant Peking Duck, which we slipped neatly into mu shu pancakes, and the Sesame Chicken, which was cooked to perfect crispness.

 

The Bao Bao Buns were fun to look at and a more interesting starter than most, but our favorite cold dish was the chilled peanut noodles, served with sliced cucumber and sesame seeds. We wished we’d ordered an extra plate of them.

 

Wuju’s “farm-to-wok” cuisine is not only a hit in Rye. Owner Jody Pennette opened her first restaurant in Scarsdale and is opening ones in Greenwich near Whole Foods and Westport this spring. She’s found the secret sauce.