07/23/09

Perfect for lunch

by NJ2NC

I ordered off the Price Fixe Menu for lunch - $12 for choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert. I had the salad which was bigger than i expected and their ginger dressing was creamier than i was used to, but very good. I chose the Tofu and Broccoli entree. The broccoli were cooked perfect - bright green and crunchy - they must have been steamed. And the tofu was placed in the middle. It was steaming hot with a crispy outside and thick delicious sauce. With the scoop of ice cream, it was just enough to satisfy me without weighing me down the rest of the day. My service was great - ask for Sean. I can't speak for the dinner portions as other reviewers had, but my meal size and quality was well worth $12.

• Pros: Unique menu, excellent service
• Cons: Parking - i drove around and parked in the street

05/20/09

I wish I could give the Duck 10 stars!

by JanuaryBlue

I could eat at the Duck and Dumpling every day and be happy! I think I've tried almost everything on the menu and have found nothing disappointing! The Diver Sea Scallops in ginger sauce on Chef David's winter menu may be the best dish I've ever had, EVER.

I have read other reviewers complain about the size of the portions and it is true that the small plate offerings are small. That is why they are called "small plates." The large plate entrees are enough for one diner, but they are certainly not piled as high as one might dish it up at a strip mall chinese buffet. More importantly, the quality of the food at the Duck is exquisite! This is Asian food at its finest!

In addition, I need to comment on the other things that make the Duck such an outstanding dining experience. The decor and ambience are delightful. The wait staff is attentive and friendly without hovering or talking incessively. Almost every time I've eaten there, Chef David Mao has come out of the kitchen to greet diners, giving our meal a very personalized feeling. And to top dinner off, the Webbed-Foot coffee drink is absolute perfection! (Organic, fair-trade coffee with Amaretto, Baileys, and Godiva Dark. Yum!)

My recommendation for best-ever meal: Start a with a Ginger Lemon Drop or Asian Pear martini. Or ask what seasonal or fresh fruit martinis they are serving. For your appetizer, I recommend the Hot & Sour soup and Chef David's Signature Half-fried Dumplings. (The papaya salad and the basil shrimp wonton are also great.) Order a Dark & Stormy (rum and ginger) cocktail with your entree, which you should hope and pray that the Diver's Sea Scallops with Ginger Sauce is on the menu; if not, Steamed Sea Bass with Baby Bok Choy & Shiitake Mushrooms, the Filet Mignon Chinois with Seaweed Salad, or the Thai Basil Shrimp are all absolutely heaven-in-the-mouth delicious! If you are having lunch at the Duck, start with the spring rolls or summer rolls and mixed greens salad; try any of Chef David's luncheon specials or treat yourself to his moo shu duck. For dessert, the Spiced Asian Pear with ginger ice cream is a treat unlike anything you've had anywhere else and must be tried before anything else. If everyone in your party is ordering dessert for all to share (a highly recommended practice!) put the key lime pie and the tiramisu on the list along with something chocolate. And the Duck is a chocoholic's delight. The chocolate souffle, the triple chocolate cheesecake and the chocolate bundt cake are all wonderful; but the Chocolate Pyramid filled with white chocolate ganache is simply to-die-for, above all other chocolate on the menu. Enjoy that with a Chocolate Satin or Milky Way martini before you finish off your meal with a dessert coffee (the Webbed-Foot and the Downtown recommended).

I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. I would put Chef David up against any "top chef" anywhere!

• Pros: The best Asian food I've ever eaten
• Cons: None!

10/17/08

Still hungry after spending $130+

by jbd0208

The food was good, but I am still hungry even after spending over $130 for 3 people. The portion sizes were very small on the appetizers as well as entrees. The entree called Lion's Head was very misleading. It was supposed to be ground pork wrapped around diver sea scallops. Well, there was ONE scallop on this entree, and it was small and overcooked-- not what I expected for $22. There was a dessert called Chocolate Souffle. It was NOT a souffle at all. Instead, it was a small brownie, heated in the microwave with chocolate syrup over it -- again, not what I expected for $6. What a disappointment. I won't be returning to this restaurant.

• Pros: Pretty good steamed dumplings and tuna tartar
• Cons: Small portions and too pricey