The New and Improved 1949 Duck de Chine Jinbao Jie

This place is gorgeous. I was so in awe of my surroundings that I spent 30 minutes just wandering around taking photos of everything.

If you have ever been to the original Duck de Chine in 1949 Hidden City in South Sanlitun, the decor of both venues run in similar themes with the same red lanterns hanging from the ceilings and green/teal floral paintings along the walls, but this layout is even better. Housed in a large siheyuan with an open courtyard in the middle surrounded by clear glass walls with views into the kitchen, bar area and dining space, this is really a space you can explore.

LumDimSum Snapshots of the New Duck de Chine in Jinbao:

I could really go on and on about how stunning this venue is, but considering this is a restaurant review, I will move on to equally as important matters – the food (in this case, the DUCK).

The DUCK of Duck de Chine: 

One whole roast duck will set you back RMB 238, but the presentation and service is flawless and the sauce is a show in itself. This is my favorite part (second to the decor) as it is utterly unique and a swirl of perfection.  A waitress comes around and adds in extra sauces and with one swish of the sauce bowl, it becomes a work of art.  Literally.  It’s marvelous.  In general, I was most impressed by the duck’s sauce and also their Tofu & Duck Soup (RMB 58 per person). Almost USD$10 for a small bowl of soup, but it is soothing and a perfect compliment to duck pancakes.

Chefs Roasting Ducks in Open Kitchen / Family Dinner Pic

Enjoy duck served to you table side (RMB 238 for whole duck)

Tofu & Duck Soup (RMB 58 per bowl) / Swirl of Duck Dipping Sauce (duck fixings are RMB 8 per person)

Aside from the two ducks we ordered, we went to town on the other dishes on their menu.  Highlights include their Bamboo Shoots in Chili Oil (RMB 48), Deep-fried Tofu (RMB 68), Sauteed Shrimp in Chili Oil (RMB 168), and their Sauteed Chicken Bones with Gingko in Maggie Sauce (RMB 128).  Yes, the chicken bones are awesome…that is, if you like your food chewy and crunchy at the same time. A bit oily, but very tasty.

Every dish served was clearly very high quality and tasty, but the prices are just on another level compared to even higher-end Chinese restaurants. The portions were small considering it’s meant to be family-style and shared.  Although it was good, you are definitely bound to pay a pretty penny at Duck de Chine (and that goes for both branches).

Other Dishes by Duck de Chine:

Dry Plum Infused Pumpkin (RMB 38) / Marinated Black Fungus with Spring Onions (RMB 48)

Bamboo Shoots in Chili Oil (RMB 48) / Chinese

Sauteed Shrimp with Chili Sauce (RMB168) / Poached Chinese cabbage with Wild Mushrooms in Chicken Soup (RMB 98)

Deep Fried Tofu with Salt and Spice (RMB 78) / Sauteed Chicken Bones with Gingko in Maggie Sauce (RMB 128)

Stir-fried Beef with Spring Onions in XO Sauce (RMB 148) / Sauteed Been Vermicelli with Wild Mushrooms and Dried Shrimps (RMB 88)

Fried Noodles with Shredded Chicken & Bean Sprout in XO Sauce (RMB 88) / Pan-fried Pork Dumplings (RMB 32 for 3)

Dessert & Fruit Platter

Review of the NEW Duck de Chine: 1949 Hidden City 2, 98 Jinbaojie, Dongcheng district 东城区金宝街98号; Tel: 6521 2221

Best Part:

• Hands-down, the DECOR is the best part about this venue.  It is stunning and if you’ve seen the first Duck de Chine, it’s already hard to believe this one is even more beautiful. This is an ideal place to take out-of-town visitors who want to try Beijing duck.
• The location of this new Duck de Chine branch is even better as well.  Of course Sanlitun is closer to me (and most people in the East side of Beijing), but this location is much closer and more accessible when you’re playing tour guide and closer to the vicinity of Tiananmen, Forbidden City and Chang An Jie. 
• The statues all around are pretty sweet and I love the giant faceless bear statues outside in the center courtyard.
• The duck’s sauce! I can’t get over how pretty sauce can be with just a swirl. The duck itself is good, but I’ve had better (Made in China is still my favorite and you can see my top Duck hit list). 
• The roast duck ovens are blocked off by floor-to-ceiling glass walls, so it’s completely open for all to see, a very nice touch.
• They have a giant bar stocked with bottles of champagne chilling on ice.  Quite fancy and if anything, a bit intimidating.
• Recently opened, this is a very swanky place to check out for those on the hunt for new and impressive finds. 

Comments:

• While the decor really blew me away, I’ve got to say I was not that impressed with the food.  I realize the quality and presentation is all very good, but portions are small and price tags are exorbitant. But as you can imagine from a place like this, it’s definitely a “special occasion” kind of place rather than a place you can frequent.
• Service was professional and attentive and their sommelier is extremely knowledgeable of wines.  Private wine dinners here would work exceptionally well.
• The place is quite big and wraps around in a giant siheyuan courtyard so space is quite separated and has a vibe that’s much more exclusive as opposed to inclusive and intimate.  
• Generally, the menu prices of their dishes are much higher than even high-end Chinese restaurants, but in this case, I guess you’re paying more for the decor and the experience of dining in such a stunning and impressive dining establishment.  Generally expect to spend avg. RMB 300 per person (doesn’t include alcohol). 

Rating: (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best)

• Food: 7
• Atmosphere: 10
• Service: 8
• Overall Experience: 8

theBeijinger’s 8th Annual Reader Restaurant Awards: Hatsune Wins Best Japanese 7 Years Running

On Monday, March 21, Hatsune took home Best Japanese for the 7th year running at theBeijinger’s Reader Restaurant Awards!

Considering this was theBeijinger’s 8th Annual Reader Restaurant Awards, that’s pretty much a perfect record.

Congratulations to Alan Wong, owner of the Hatsune Empire, for holding it strong and staying on top of the game 7 years straight.  That’s gotta be the longest-running record in town!

Get excited because this year Hatsune will be celebrating its 10 year anniversary in August 2011. If you thought Hatsune’s 9 year anniversary party and Chi Fan for Charity After Party was wild last year, you are in store for a treat this coming August.  Stay tuned for details….

Other big winners from the awards ceremony include:

• Maison Boulud – Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese), Best French, Wine List, Most Romantic Meal, Best Service
• Da Dong – Restaurant of the Year (Chinese), Best for Impressing Visitors, Best Beijing Duck, Best for Impressing Visitors
• Capital M – Best high-end brunch, Afternoon Tea, Outdoor Dining,
• Mosto – Best Business Lunch, Best Steak, & MODO got Best New Restaurant

For a complete list of all Beijinger Dining Awards Categories and Winners, click here.

Maison Boulud & Da Dong Collect “Restaurant of the Year”

Dali Courtyard / Capital M

Modo / Agua / Biteapitta

SALT / Gung Ho! Pizza

Michael & Joanna Crain for Culinary Event of the Year: Chi Fan for Charity 2010!

While many of this year’s winners are very deserving of their awards, I was disappointed to see a few of my favorite restaurants without any recognition – Bei (in the Opposite House), Black Sesame Kitchen, Karaiya Spice House, and Madame Zhu’s Kitchen to name a few.  And I am really fed up with repeat winners  - Annie’s winning Best Italian (come on people, it’s not best delivery service), Ganges for Best Indian (really not that great), and Element Fresh for Best American, Best Sandwiches, and Best Affordable Brunch? I only approve of their smoothies and salads and boycott the rest.

theBeijinger’s Restaurant Award Winners vs. LumDimSum’s Votes:

Afternoon Tea

• Beijinger Winner: Capital M

• LumDimSum Vote: Capital M

American

• Beijinger Winner: Element Fresh

• LumDimSum Vote: Chef Too

Beijing Duck

• Beijinger Winner: Da Dong

• LumDimSum Vote: Made in China

Brunch (High-End)

• Beijinger Winner: Capital M

• LumDimSum Vote: Fennel

Brunch (Affordable)

• Beijinger Winner: Element Fresh

• LumDimSum Vote: Vineyard Cafe

Burger

• Beijinger Winner: Let’s Burger

• LumDimSum Vote: Let’s Burger

Business Lunch

• Beijinger Winner: Mosto

• LumDimSum Vote: Alameda

Cantonese (High-End)

• Beijinger Winner: Lei Garden

• LumDimSum Vote:  Zenses, Westin Beijing Chaoyang

Cantonese (Affordable)

• Beijinger Winner: Jin Ding Xuan

• LumDimSum Vote: Heng Shan Hui 衡山汇

Culinary Event of the Year

• Beijinger Winner: Chi Fan for Charity (Nov 6, 2010)

• LumDimSum Vote: Chi Fan for Charity (Nov 6, 2010)

Décor

• Beijinger Winner: LAN

• LumDimSum Vote: Capital M

Dim Sum

• Beijinger Winner: Din Tai Fung

• LumDimSum Vote:  Heng Shan Hui 衡山汇

Family-Friendly Restaurant

• Beijinger Winner: Annie’s

• LumDimSum Vote:  The Orchard

For Impressing Visitors

• Beijinger Winner: Da Dong

• LumDimSum Vote:  Duck de Chine

For a Romantic Meal

• Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud

• LumDimSum Vote:  Capital M

French (High-End)

• Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud

• LumDimSum Vote:  Maison Boulud

French (Affordable)

• Beijinger Winner: Brasserie Flo

• LumDimSum Vote: Crepanini

Hot Pot

• Beijinger Winner: Haidiliao

• LumDimSum Vote:  Haidiliao

Hotel Brunch

• Beijinger Winner: Bubbalicious, Westin Beijing Chaoyang

• LumDimSum Vote:  Bubbly Sundays at Senses, Westin Beijing Financial Street

Indian/Pakistani

• Beijinger Winner: Ganges

• LumDimSum Vote:  Punjabi

Italian (High-End)

• Beijinger Winner: Sureño, The Opposite House

• LumDimSum Vote:  Sadler Ristorante

Italian (Affordable)

• Beijinger Winner: Annie’s

• LumDimSum Vote:  LMPLUS (Central Park)

Japanese

• Beijinger Winner: Hatsune

• LumDimSum Vote:  Hatsune and Kagen Teppanyaki

Korean

• Beijinger Winner: Saveurs de Coree

• LumDimSum Vote:  Ai Jiang Shan

Kung Pao Chicken

• Beijinger Winner: Xiao Wang Fu

• LumDimSum Vote:  Black Sesame Kitchen

Late-Night Dining

• Beijinger Winner: Bellagio

• LumDimSum Vote:  Jin Ding Xuan or my local Ch’uar stand

Mexican/Tex-Mex

• Beijinger Winner: Saddle Cantina

• LumDimSum Vote: Casa Latina

Middle Eastern

• Beijinger Winner: Biteapitta

• LumDimSum Vote: Biteapitta

Outdoor Dining

• Beijinger Winner: Capital M

• LumDimSum Vote: Dali Courtyard

Pizza

• Beijinger Winner: The Tree

• LumDimSum Vote: Gung Ho! Pizza

Russian

• Beijinger Winner:  Traktirr Pushkin

• LumDimSum Vote: Traktirr Pushkin

Sandwiches

• Beijinger Winner: Element Fresh

• LumDimSum Vote:  Hercules

Service

• Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud

• LumDimSum Vote:  Fennel

Sichuan

• Beijinger Winner: South Beauty

• LumDimSum Vote: Madame Zhu’s Kitchen

Spanish

• Beijinger Winner: Agua

• LumDimSum Vote: Agua

Steak

• Beijinger Winner: Mosto

• LumDimSum Vote: The Cut Grill (Fairmont Hotel)

Thai

• Beijinger Winner: Purple Haze

• LumDimSum Vote:  Tuk Tuk

Vegetarian

• Beijinger Winner: Pure Lotus

• LumDimSum Vote:  Samadhi Teahouse

Vietnamese

• Beijinger Winner: Muse

• LumDimSum Vote:  Banh Mi Now!

Wine List

• Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud

• LumDimSum Vote: Enoterra

Yunnan

• Beijinger Winner: Middle 8th Restaurant

• LumDimSum Vote: Aimo Town

New Restaurant (Chinese)

• Beijinger Winner: Little Yunnan

• LumDimSum Vote: Xu Xian Lou

New Restaurant (Non-Chinese)

• Beijinger Winner: Modo

• LumDimSum Vote: Modo

Restaurant of the Year (Chinese)

• Beijinger Winner: Da Dong

• LumDimSum Vote: Karaiya Spice House

Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese)

• Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud

• LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune

Jingzun: Affordable Beijing Duck Alternative

With several branches around Beijing, JingZun Peking Duck Restaurant 京尊烤鸭店 is consistently packed with both expats and locals on a daily basis.  It’s not the best Peking duck in town, but it’s very affordable and they offer many other tasty dishes for incredible value as well.  Menu is extensive and easy to order with pictures and both Chinese and English text (or should I say Chinglish text).

If you want to go all in for throw down for the best duck in town, then Beijing’s best is still Made in China hands-down.  Duck de Chine in 1949 also succeeds in making a big impression on guests with its extravagant decor and excellent service.  But if you want to go the casual, local route, then Jingzun is a great alternative choice.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Jingzun’s Interior:

LumDimSum Snapshots of Jingzun’s Dishes:

Spinach & Peanuts in Sour Sauce (RMB 16)/ Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Lotus (RMB 18)

Duck Gizzards with Fragrant Cedar (RMB 26)/ Mu Er with Shrimps (RMB 26)

Baby Cabbage with Pork (RMB 22)/ Braised Beijing Intestinal (RMB 28)

Braised Eggplant with Pork (RMB 29)/ Fried Cabbage with Salted Pork (RMB 22)

Jingzun’s Signature Beijing Duck (RMB 98 for whole duck or RMB 56 for half)

Review of JingZun Peking Duck Restaurant 京尊烤鸭店 : On east side of Guanghua Lu (east of Hatsune), 1/F Bldg 6, 朝阳区朝阳区光华路东口6号楼1楼 , Tel: 6595 6924

Best Part:

• Popular Beijing Duck restaurant chain with very reasonable prices.
• Restaurants are located all over the city
• Extensive menu selection of popular Chinese dishes
• Nice VIP private dining rooms (photo right)

Comments:

• Call ahead to reserve your duck or you could wait ages to finally get it to your table.
• I recommend the Guanghua Lu branch over the branch by Season’s Park on Chunxiu Lu.

Rating: (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best)

• Food: 7
• Atmosphere: 6
• Service: 5
• Overall Experience: 6
  

Buy Your Tickets Now: Chi Fan for Charity 2010

Bringing together local opinion leaders, celebrities and other charitable-minded individuals to raise money for worthwhile philanthropic causes, Chi Fan for Charity is one of the strongest charity events of the year.

Last year, Chi Fan for Charity raised over RMB 100,000 for The Dandelion School, a non-profit middle school for children of low-income migrant families.This year, Chi Fan for Charity will support three local charities:  The Dandelion School, Prevention Through Education (HIV/AIDS Awareness) and Rural Women’s Charity.

Beijing’s top restaurants are each donating a table for ten valued at RMB 500-1000 per seat.  People who want to enjoy an exceptional meal while contributing to a worthwhile cause can sign up for a seat at their restaurant of choice or preferred table host and “eat for charity”.

Each guest is treated to a special set dinner menu with a table host who is engaging and dedicated to making a difference here in China.  Table hosts this year include the talented actor and film director Chen DaMing, Hatsune Restaurant Group owner Alan Wong, CCTV host James Chau, Bespoke Beijing Founder Sarah Keenlyside and AAB Founder Tom Pattinson, Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer H.S. Liu and his partner, Chinese art expert Karen Smith, and PTE Founder Gabe Suk just to name a few.

After dinner, guests will be invited to the Chi Fan for Charity After Party at Hatsune Sanlitun Village, entertaining revelers with all-you-can-drink cocktails from 10PM-1AM and DJ Patrick Yu spinning jams into the small hours.

For those who would like to contribute without committing to a dinner seat, you can purchase a ticket for the after-party online (RMB 150 for advanced tickets or RMB 200 at the door).

Chi Fan for Charity Basic Breakdown:

• Beijing’s top restaurants are again being invited to donate a three-course meal for tables of ten hosted by the capital’s leading opinion makers and celebrities.
• Seats for the evenings of entertaining conversation and fine cuisine are sold publicly from 500RMB to 1,000RMB+ depending on the restaurant, with all proceeds going directly to three local charities.
• Last year’s inaugural event raised over 100,000RMB for The Dandelion School, a non-profit middle school for children of low-income migrant families. Two additional charities will benefit this year: the Aids-awareness organisation PTE China and the Cultural Development Center for Rural Women, a practical skills training centre in Changping district.
• Confirmed participating restaurants this year include Capital M, Green T House Living, Maison Boulud, Chef Too, Hatsune, Grange, Karaiya Spice House, Modo, Oden, Black Sesame Kitchen, Nola, Sureno, Bei, Cru Steakhouse, Jaan, Carmen, Vasco’s, Red Capital Club, ROOMbeijing, Duck de Chine, Taverna, Scarlett, Courtyard, Toro Bar and Kagen Teppanyaki.
• After the charity dinner, guests are invited to the Chi Fan for Charity ‘after party’ at Hatsune Sanlitun Village, entertaining revelers with their legendary cocktails and DJ Patrick Yu into the small hours.
• Supporters and friends can purchase tickets for the ‘after party’ alone at 150RMB advanced ticket sales or 180RMB at the door (gets you all-you-can-drink from 10PM-1AM).
• Tickets for both the dinners and after party will be on sale beginning October 16^th at the Chi Fan for Charity website: www.chifanforcharity.org.

#1 Most Popular Restaurant Goes to…

LocalNoodles deduces Beijing’s top restaurants by finding out what were the hottest searches over the past twelve months.

Top 10 Searched Restaurants for 2009-2010

#1. Hatsune Congratulations to this Sushi standard for commanding top spot in our hearts, minds, and stomachs.

Readers SAID: “The best in Beijing” “great food, ambience and service” “favorites are the pimp my roll, 119 roll and motorola” “a sweet deal”

#2. Maison Boulud Beijing’s only Michelin star Chef has more than French food lovers seeking his restaurant.

Readers SAID: “Excelling in quality, service, location and understated elegance” “Best experience in China.” “Beijing has changed because of this restaurant.”

#3. The Saddle Cantina It’s no surprise that Beijing’s most talked about Mexican Restaurant landed the #3 spot.

Readers SAID: “best place to hang out in San Li Tun” “my go to bar for late evening” “most memorable evenings in Beijing”

#4. Element Fresh One of the most popular restaurants in Sanlitun, it hasn’t slowed since its opening two years ago.

Readers SAID: “Element Fresh has it all” “Their food is really good” “WOW!”

#5. Chuan Ban Visiting the “Chuan Ban” is much more than a rite of passage, it makes you more of a Beijinger.

Readers SAID: “Chuan ban still has what it takes” “nicest Sichuan food you’ll find anywhere” “food is really spicy”

#6. Duck de Chine – 1949 Duck de Chine and the compound it inhabits continue to be Beijing’s best kept secret. Perhaps that’s why everyone is searching for it.

Readers SAID: “1949 offers excellent Beijing Duck” “most expensive ducks in Beijing” “whole complex and experience is a pleasure”

#7. SALT One of Beijing’s defining restaurants stays in the minds of Beijinger’s by constantly revamping their menu.

Readers SAID: “SALT is an excellent restaurant with exemplary staff, service and cuisine” “Magnifique!” ” their praises are sung by many a Beijing Foodie”

#8. Ganges A Beijing standard, Ganges immediately comes to mind when thinking of Indian fare.

Readers SAID: “my new constant diner spot” “best Indian I’ve had in Beijing, and possibly ever” “Where do you go from here? India?”

#9. Luga’s With five different businesses, no other restaurateur owns so much of Sanlitun’s dining landscape.

Readers SAID: “Wow, people love this place” “quite packed late on the weekend” “Luga knows customer service”

#10. Din Tai Feng Rated as one of the top 10 gourmet restaurants in the world, its the standard for Taiwanese food in Beijing.

Readers SAID: “an impressive place to bring visiting friends” “best dumplings in town HANDS DOWN” “I don’t know what took me so long to eat here”

Hatsune Wins Reader’s Choice @ Time Out’s 2010 Restaurant Awards

Unlike theBeijinger & CityWeekend‘s Restaurant Awards, Time Out’s Restaurant Award Winners are decided based on 6 different panelists, with the exception of one category: The Time Out Readers’ Choice Award.

The people have spoken and Hatsune takes home Readers’ Choice Award 2010!

Congratulations to Hatsune and a big thank you to all you Sushi Samurais who love Hatsune enough to take the time to vote!  You made your voices heard!

Other Time Out Restaurant Award Categories & the Winners:

• Best new restaurant 2010: Samadhi Teahouse
• Restaurant of the Year 2010: Maison Boulud à Pékin
• Best lunch deal 2010: Mosto
• Best wine experience 2010: Maison Boulud à Pékin
• Best international 2010: Maison Boulud à Pékin
• Best Asian 2010: Bei
• Best Chinese fine dining 2010: Tiandi
• Best regional Chinese 2010: Qin Tang Fu
• Chef of the year 2010: Max Levy
• Best interior design 2010: Duck de Chine
• Best service 2010: Maison Boulud à Pékin

Oodles of Noodles

1949′s got a lot of people talking about their newest additions: Club Décolleté and Club Glen (replacing 1/5 Taverna’s previous bar).  Club Décolleté is a dazzling new champagne bar with beautiful sparkling cocktails and fresh sparkling daiquiris where Club Glen is a member’s only lounge featuring premium whisky and cigars. Both venues providing a nice balance for both lovely ladies and gentlemen in each respective venue.

Aside from these two new additions, 1949-The Hidden City is also home to eateries such as 1/5 Taverna, Duck de Chine, Sugar Bar, and the quaint and cozy Noodle Bar, the smallest of 1949′s venues. With only 12 seats around the noodle station, guests quickly come and go for delicious bowls of noodles with high-quality ingredients and kung-fu chefs hand-pulling wheat noodles in front of you.

The Noodle Bar concept is quite direct – a concise menu with simple dishes, clearly specializing in big bowls of beef noodle soup (with beef brisket, beef tendon, or beef tripe), veggie dishes, and about 5 cold appetizer dishes. I recommend ordering the set menu for RMB 42 (bowl of beef brisket, tendon and tripe noodles with a small appetizer and Oolong Tea). With only 12 seats in total, this is a great spot for a quick, casual lunch with a friend or two (not more considering the limited seats).  It’s small and cozy rather than intimate and romantic. It’s not pretentious or aiming to be anything more than simply what it is: A Noodle Bar.

Noodle Bar Review: At 1949- The Hidden City. Courtyard 4, Gong Ti Bei Lu, Chaoyang District, Sanlitun. Opposite Pacific Century Place South gate. Tel: 6501-1949

Best Part:

• Delicious bowls of beef noodle soup
• Nice Set Lunch Option for RMB 42 (Combo of Beef noodles, small appetizer and tea)
• Wait isn’t long (people come, eat, and leave rather quickly)
• Cozy setting and casual atmosphere with chefs hand-pulling noodles in front of you

Comments:

• There are only 12 seats, so it’s a bit complicated to arrive with more than 2 other people and expect to sit together.
• Not really a place to sit and chat and hang out (there’s more of an ‘eat-and-leave’ mentality)

I recommend this venue as a quick, casual lunch destination for people who love oodles of noodles for a reasonable price.

King of Ducks

If there is a visitor in Beijing, regardless if they are here on business or pleasure, their priority for dining should always be BEIJING DUCK.  End of discussion.

Here’s a list of my top 5 picks for Beijing Roast Duck (北京烤鸭):

1.  Made in China – Hands down my favorite duck restaurant. Best duck to ever touch my palette, great overall menu, and beautiful interior design.  Only down-side is that it’s located in a hotel and you need to make a reservation to get a table a few days in advance. A bit on the pricier side, but worth every penny.

2. Xiao Wang Fu 小王府 - If I’m not trying to impress any out-of-town guests and the priority is good value, then I opt for Xiao Wang Fu, a popular chain of duck restaurants with a good selection of classic Chinese dishes for a very reasonable price.

3. Duck de Chine - A place to impress visitors or business clients, the interior is exquisite and I’m sold by their special duck sauce (plum sauce with swirls of peanut and sesame sauce topped with roasted garlic). My mouth waters just thinking about it.  Great food, even better ambiance, so-so service, and expect to pay a pretty penny.

4. Da Dong大董烤鸭店- Often referred to as the Best Duck in Town, I think their duck does not even touch Made in China’s melt-in-your-mouth Beijing Duck.  They claim their duck is more lean and they have a few chain restaurants in town, and have also recently expanded upon their already extensive menu.

5. Li Qun 利群烤鸭店 - Tucked away and difficult to find, but a great destination for the more adventurous tourists on a budget.  Great duck for good value and a very authentic Chinese restaurant in terms of good food served in a poorly maintained establishment and lack of service.

In the past 3 years, I’ve been to many of the city’s top duck restaurants, but when a friend of a friend from high school came into town for only one day, I was eager to impress them with one of the city’s newest additions to the list of top duck restaurants: I introduced them to Duck de Chine, located in the factory-chic setting of 1949.

The setting was elegant, refined and upscale and the menu brings together recipes from both Chinese and French cuisine.  Within the restaurant, you feel like you could be anywhere in the world. The menu was extensive, the food was delicious and beautifully presented, and the duck was superb with the highlight of the experience being the special duck plum sauce with swirls of sesame and peanut sauce topped with roasted garlic. Brilliant. Another highlight of the evening was the Australian Lobster with E-Fu noodles and the Pan-Fried Beef Tenderloin.

Review of Duck de Chine: At 1949- The Hidden City: Courtyard 4, Gong Ti Bei Lu, Chaoyang District, Sanlitun. Opposite Pacific Century Place South gate. 北京朝阳区工体北路太平洋百货南门对面

Best Part:

• Their secret lies in their duck’s unique and innovative plum sauce, which combines sesame and peanut sauce together with roasted garlic. A heavenly combination and a perfect compliment for the Beijing Duck.
• The interior of the restaurant is exquisite and upscale, perfecting for impressing visitors
• The location of the restaurant within 1949 – The Hidden City makes it a great destination for dinner and drinks (just across the way from both Club Decollete & Club Glen).
• The menu is extensive with a lot of variety. Every dish was flavorful, delicious, and beautifully presented

Comments:

• It’s definitely on the pricier end of the list. Our table of 7 including wine and cocktails was over 3,000 RMB.
• Service was not up-to-par with the restaurant’s ambiance and product. There were quite a few mix-ups with our order and the waiter could not get a single drink right the entire night (kept bringing drinks to the wrong people/re-filling the wrong glasses).
• Bathrooms are down a flight of stairs.
• Definitely a place for impressing visitors/clients rather than a destination for locals.