Chicago’s Sun Wah BBQ is famous for its Beijing duck feast that celebrates the bird three ways. The off-menu course begins with a roasted Beijing Duck expertly carved tableside and served with a plate of steamed bao buns, pickled daikon radish, carrot garnish and hoisin sauce. The carcass and remaining meat is returned to the kitchen and made into a duck soup with chunks of winter melon. Finally, fried rice arrives with duck morsels. The restaurant recommends ordering the duck feast at least 24 hours in advance, especially now that the James Beard Foundation has awarded Sun Wah one of its American Classics awards for 2018.  Fortuitously, Sun Wah moved to a larger space two years ago. Now, there’s exposed brick, local beer on tap and their famous, multicourse Beijing duck special: $45 and serves four to six. There also is a greater selection of traditional Cantonese dishes. Reservations are taken by phone or walk-in. Corkage fee is $10, wine only.

jeffrey_merrihue

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