For seven years the image of ducks has been of those trolling Belmont Harbor looking for sandwich scraps, or the infamous Mr. and Mrs. Mallard of Robert McCloskey’s classic “Make Way for Ducklings”. That is no longer the case.
Included now, ducks, heads still attached, hanging in the window of Sun Wah BBQ on Broadway, followed by the duck brought to our table and carved masterfully into slices. Kate, having no qualms about animal consumption, immediately helped herself, piling the thick slices onto the bao, small buns for sandwiches. Kate loved the sauce, described as “a little bit sweet and a little bit not, but not at all spicy”. Both she and her father found the duck “phenomenal”, a bit crispy and with really great flavor. The duck remains were quickly removed to the kitchen and then rushed back to the table in the form of duck fried rice and duck soup, which Kate thought was “fantastic”.
Beyond the large duck, we ordered shrimp dumpling soup, mixed vegetables with tofu and pan fried noodles, and Mongolian beef. Mary, who is the soup lover, devoured her bowl of shrimp dumpling soup, and always is thrilled to find the “fancy” Chinese spoons which do, in fact, make soup eating so much more fun. She ate two helpings of the tofu and vegetables, sharing a morsel or two with me.
The “spinner” or lazy susan, was fun for the Taste Buds, who enjoyed spinning for their food. This family style presentation made it very easy for children to make their own choices, and help themselves to more when they found something especially tasty. The novelty of a duck being carved tableside was engaging for curious minds, even if some of the excitement was given to a crowded and busy Saturday night dining room. Mary liked the waiter, and commented that he was patient, liked to smile, and didn’t talk too much. Agreed, dining with children on a busy Saturday night is made much easier with the help of a friendly, and smiley, patient waiter.
Call ahead if you would like the duck; orders can be placed when making reservations and the price, for the duck and all accoutrements, is $37.00. The duck, plus two entrees and one very large soup, was more than enough for the Taste Buds parents and their parents.
The large restaurant, just north of Argyle on Broadway, was a bustling place on Saturday night, even though our reservations were for 6:00. We were seated immediately which is very helpful when dining with children. Kate’s final note, “dinner was awesome!”, sums up quite well the consensus of the group. Sun Wah is a great choice for families, even those with children not quite ready to explore tableside duck carving. The entire meal was excellent, well presented, and easy to sell to young epicureans.
5039 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
www.sunwahbbq.com
