Mango Martini.

I’ve tried Peking duck at countless different Chinese restaurants but none surpasses Peking Gourmet Inn in Falls Church, Virginia. Sure, the foodie opinion of little ol’ me won’t impress the masses but what about PSY, former President Bush Sr. and his son, former President George Bush, and other important military generals and high-profile politicians? The proof? Look at their ever-growing wall collage of framed photos, it’s hard to miss.

This slow roasted whole duck is carved and served table side. The skin is trimmed separately and it is my absolute favorite part of the duck and the Peking Gourmet Inn experience in its entirety. The crispy texture is hard to duplicate for other Chinese restaurants; I don’t know how or why, it just is.

What comes with an order of a whole Peking duck? Julienned cucumbers and green onion, hoisin sauce, chili peppers, and pancakes (to wrap; think Asian soft tacos). The owner grows his own green onions and created his own recipe for the hoisin sauce and pancakes.

Peking duck after table side carving.

The taste? It’s so succulent, tender, and juicy that I salivate just thinking about it. It’s no wonder their Peking duck price increased from $39 to $42, yet it is still undeniably the restaurant’s most popular and well known dish.

As for cocktails, I recommend the Mango Martini. It’s a bit on the boozy side (no complaints here!) but it’s not overpowering and you can still taste the mango puree. No artificial or cheap aftertaste, just how I like it.

So, next time you’re in a mood to try something different or just haven’t found the perfect Peking duck dish, you know where to go now.

Cheers!

-EHY (Elina)