While doing some after Christmas bargain shopping at Colonie Mall, Sam and I stopped to fuel up at PF Chang’s for the first time. I realize that this mall is the new favorite in Albany, NY, but I heart Crossgates Mall. I mean have you ever tried to exit the movie theater at the Colonie Mall- wanting to just go home and not wander through the mall being tempted by the pretty window displays – I mean what is up with the non-existent escalator to take you down to the first level. Clever, yes, but so inconvenient and annoying. Oh and there are no entrances inside the mall to the restaurants – you have to go outside if you want to eat at P.F. Chang’s or the Cheesecake Factory. Work with me.
Anyway, back to P.F. Chang’s – I ordered the VIP Duck. We told the waitress it was our first experience at the restaurant, and she suggested several house favorites – none of which we ordered.
VIP DUCK – A tender half duck served Cantonese-style and glazed with a sweet soy plum sauce. Served with (chive) flatbread, scallions and cucumbers (served with white or brown rice)
It was by far the best meal I have ever eaten at a chain restaurant – so simple and easy. There were few ingredients, yet so much flavor. Although I have never visited an Asian country I can only imagine this is a meal that you would find at a local restuarant (at least that’s what Anthony Bourdain seems to be eating). Except, I if you were eating this meal in China I doubt Celine Dion or Kelly Clarkson would be playing on the surround sound system.
Sam and I decided to recreate the VIP Duck. We found a whole frozen duck at the grocery store, but that is still sittng in our freezer because we had already defrosted a pork roast. Sam marinated cucumbers in mirin wine, which is sweetened sake, and he sprinkled a few black and white sesame on top. Our pork was coated with hoisin sauce and olive oil. We found naan, which is a South Asian flat bread that Sam brushed with olive oil and lightly toasted. All paired with a roasted garlic and olive oil couscous. Move over P.F. Chang’s.
I can only find two words to sum up the savory pork, sweet cucumber, crispy bread – mmm good. Next time we’re going to try the duck, although the fatty pork was an excellent substitute paired with the cooling cucumber.
7 Responses
January 19th, 2010 at 11:36 am
That looks really good and reminds me of pork buns. I would put some sriracha on there and be a happy girl.
January 20th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
I don’t know about PF Chang’s, but Cheesecake Factory does have a side entrance door that’s inside the mall.
January 21st, 2010 at 12:30 pm
PF changs has a side entrance inside the mall as well
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Who cares if they have side entrances – they should be more visible. Colonie Mall is poorly designed. I still heart Crossgates.
January 24th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
I LOVE Duck! When you make it at home though, be very sure to put some water in the bottom of your broiler pan otherwise your house will be full of smoke. We love duck and that was the HUGE mistake we made the first time we cooked one ourselves at home….
January 24th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Thanks for the tip. Sam and I made duck once – the fat definitely made a mess – smoke and grease everywhere.
June 7th, 2010 at 9:22 am
Thanks for the tip. Sam and I made duck once – the fat definitely made a mess – smoke and grease everywhere.
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