In New York City, dinner can be a meal—or it can be a full-blown performance. At Mr. Chow, the legendary Chinese restaurant where celebrities, socialites and power players have been breaking bread for decades, the duck presentation falls firmly into the second category.
The restaurant’s signature Peking duck presentation is less “here’s your entrée” and more “ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention to the table.” The beautifully roasted duck arrives with plenty of ceremony, before being expertly carved and presented for diners. It’s the kind of tableside spectacle that makes you momentarily forget you came to dinner and start wondering if you accidentally bought tickets to a show.
Of course, the food has to live up to the theatrics—and Mr. Chow’s duck does exactly that. The crisp skin, tender meat and traditional accompaniments create the perfect combination of texture and flavor, while the presentation adds a distinctly old-school New York sense of occasion.
Located in Midtown, Mr. Chow NYC has long been synonymous with glamorous dining, making it a natural destination for anyone looking to experience one of New York’s more extravagant restaurant rituals. The restaurant’s sleek atmosphere, famous clientele and theatrical approach to Chinese cuisine have helped cement its status as a Manhattan institution.
And then there’s the price. This isn’t your neighborhood Chinese takeout situation. Dining at Mr. Chow is about the experience as much as the meal—and the duck presentation is arguably the ultimate example.
So, if you’re searching for the best Peking duck in NYC, a celebrity-worthy dinner or simply a meal that comes with its own entertainment, Mr. Chow deserves a spot on the list.
Because in New York, even dinner knows it needs to make an entrance.
