Ptravel: You needn’t be bashful about calling me out (be name) on my PF Chang’s preference. It’s a position, in which I feel no shame upholding. In fact, many friends, both inside and outside of the FT community have attacked me on the point before and I’ve always felt that I’ve been able to mount a solid defense.

You see, I’ve been in China off and on since I was 19 years old. In the early days, I ate lots of Chinese food because that’s all I could afford. While it kept my tummy full, I never felt like it was up to the standards of the Tiki Port in Hyannis, MA where I grew up (2 NW drink certs to anyone else who’s dined there).

In any case, I have logged an awful lot of meals at Chinese restaurants over the years, to the point where I can proclaim to have tried almost everything, even <gasp... and apologies to Bitta, Tiffany, and Annabelle> dog. And, I’ve come to realize over time that I was raised with an American palette, which is going to stick with me throughout my life. Incidentally, and off topic, my attitude towards Japanese food is completely different; those guys (including my wonderful girlfriend) make some pretty neat stuff.

Having gotten all that negativity out of the way, I would be happy to accompany you or anyone else here on a “duck run” next time you are in Beijing. In fact, I can even arrange to get our expenses covered by one of the English magazines in town in exchange for writing an article, which could be pretty interesting, given our divergent tastes.

It looks like I’ll be in Beijing for the majority of this year, save August, so please contact me in advance of your trips and we’ll do this place right.

I'll be in Beijing in late May and again in June and would love to partake in a "duck run" and write an article. PM me for details.

I would love to return to Beijing soon - it's a great city. I've been there four times (touristy stuff first time and experiencing life for the other three times). Beijing (duck) Do anyone ? :D

Two ways to make Peking duck
 

Count me in for a Duck DO, my family of three (13-year old son, wife and me) will be in Beijing in mid June.

Most of my chinese friends told me to expect Peking duck in Beijing to be much more oily and less meaty comparing to those in the states. I would like to try the local Beijing version(s) and find out for myself.

Incidentally, there appears to be (at least) two distinct ways to make Peking duck:

1. The soup filled method, after seasoning, fill the chest cavity with hot broth and seal it before roasting; supposedly lets the meat cook slowly from the inside and outside, resulting in more tender and juicy meat.

2. The air roasting method, after seasoning, roast with the chest cavity seasoned but open and unfilled; supposedly give more roasting flavor to the meat, as well as somewhat more crispy skin.

I have no idea how the ducks I had in the states or Hong Kong are prepared, since I just found out about two methods. I would certainly like to find out how the preparation affects the taste for the ones in Beijing.

Yes, but . . .

Peking Duck should not be meaty -- the skin is the best part. And it should be crispy, though not dry.

I'll be in both Beijing and Hong Kong in July. I was really looking forward to duck in Beijing but now wondering if I should save it for Hong Kong. Does anyone recommend places in Hong Kong? Or heck...I can go in both places and compare. :) Personally...some of the best duck I had was in this chinese place in Atlanta. MAN...it was so amazing. Nashville...not really known for chinese food unfortunately.

I'll be in PEK May 12-15/16 and would enjoy a duck DO.

My advice and I have given it in previous pages in this thread, is to go to Liqun in Beijing. You'll not only have a good meal, but also experience a Hutong, a traditional Beijing neighborhood.

Its Peking Duck, so why not try it when you are in Peking?

duck runs
 

Hello all. To all those that contacted me re duck runs, I apologize if I didn't get back to you. I just returned from a trip to xinjiang and was out of the loop. In any case, if you're coming to town and want to eat duck, just let me know your dates and I will try to join.

Incidentally, a friend's family has been in town for the past few days and we have eaten lots of duck. In particular, we hit Dadong, Xiaowangfu, and Li Kang and might try Liqun tonight if our digestive systems are up for it (one logistical problem with duck runs is that eating duck every day does not make for a happy stomach).

Anyway, all 6 of our critics (even the 2-year old) have ranked Xiaowangfu #1 so far because of the unique preparation style (cooked using applewood chips; skin separated from meat) and the nice pancakes. There has been no clear consensus on Dadong v. Li Kang, but I think Li Kang wins by a hair for the food and Dadong, by a large margin, for the experience.

I was in Beijing in April and got invited to Dadong, which I thought was really good (didn't know what the cost was though). Strangely, I've heard the Grand Hyatt in Beijing is supposed to have been voted to have the best duck in Beijing by some magazine. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to try it. Maybe next time...

I second Jamoldo's suggestion of Li Qun - went there on recommendation from the General Manager of the Hilton Beijing and was impressed. Great tasting duck, nice atmosphere and swift service.

Incidentally, judging by the number of framed photographs of famous visitors (so numerous you can barely see any wall at the entrance corridor...) the restaurant is known and appreciated by many!