Peking Duck

If you ask anyone who just came back from Beijing (BJ), “what’s your favorite food?” I bet that 95% of them answer Peking Duck. Yes, that would be my answer as well.

Peking Duck is one of the local delicacies, and the dish was created back in Ming Dynasty. It’s so popular that you can easily find a Peking Duck restaurant in BJ that operates over a hundred year. I have eaten Peking Duck in different restaurants, but the most memorable one was Mr Da Dun. A new restaurant combined the Cantonese and Northern culinary skills and brought the Peking Duck to a whole different level.

When I arrived in Mr. Da Dun the first time with 2 of m colleagues, to my surprise, unlike other traditional Chinese Restaurant, the whole concept of Western meets Eastern was perfectly melted in Mr Da Dun. It was decorated with a contemporary touch. To the left of the waiting area, there is a bar with glass counter tip and stainless steel stool. Through the waiting area, in the center of the restaurant, sits one round station, surrounded by 4 big brick ovens. From the 4 passage ways to the station, I saw white dressed chefs retrieving ducks from pine wood heated ovens. Around the Duck station, there was stream of water merging to the mini pond, feeding gold fish and lotus flowers. The structure of the station showcased the most common theory of Chinese architect, the balance of Ying/Yang, Fire/Water, in a harmony circle.

After spending nearly one hour of waiting and studying the menu, we were able to order the food before we got the table. (Yes, reservation is defiantly recommended even for weekday dinners.) every signature dish was plated to create scenery as interpretation of poems written by famous Chinese poets. Our dinner starts with a plate of chilled sweet & sour ribs. (the name of the dish is impossible to describe in language other than Chinese) it was served in a block of black volcanic stone. As the waitress sets the dish on our table, she sprinkles the white sugar powder, illustrate the snowy scenery from a Tang Dynasty poem. Although the poem was about a sad farewell among friends on a snowy day by the river, we were quite enjoying the moment.

The Peking Duck was served after drink and starters. It was brought to us by a handsome chef. (excused my for been single and admire every beautiful thing. Too bad that he was wearing a medical mask, can’t really chat with him. Bummer) I was not sure if the duck has been brushed with a think layer of honey, but it was glazed with this shining honey tone, that makes you feel guilty about your desire to eat the fatty crisp skin. The cute chef first sliced the layer of the duck skin from the neck and ribcage. Then he sliced the meat from the muscular parts. Don’t worry ladies, he was very quick slicing the duck. He was too quick that I couldn’t catch the action when he sliced 2 pieces meat off the duck head. (no worries, there was no signs of “Silence of the Lambs”) the duck meant was served on two plates, one plate of crispy skin and one plate of evenly sliced duck meat. One other waiter brought out few plates of side dishes for the duck. There are 4 different sauces, 6 different types vegetables to go with the duck roll, (cucumber, green radish, scallion, pickles, kimche, sweat salad), 16 thin spring roll skins, and 3 sesame buns. She then explained that you can first dip the crispy skin to sugar and eat them alone; roll the duck meat with the heated soft rice paper; sandwich the duck meat in the sesame buns; or dip the duck meant in any of the 4 sauces and eat them alone. I didn’t count how many slices of duck meant we had, but a friendly advice, don’t order the whole duck for table of 3 ladies. Especially when there is free duck soup provided, with free refill.

Although I was full and barely finished the duck, there is always space for desert. The seasonal fresh fruit sorbet and fresh fruits were complimentary. The fruits were served on top of dry ices. The thin cloudy cold air slipped through the bottom of the plate, and entices you to search for more fruit, even if your stomach is telling you to stop eating.

The digesting of the full meal took a while, but will I go back again, oh yes, I will.