Beijing: Peking Duck Private Kitchen

OUR PEKING DUCK EXPERIENCE HAD TO BE PERFECT. Two main reasons: (1) it's my dad's birthday and he specifically requested for a Peking Duck dinner and (2) my husband is an anti-peking duck. He usually has a huge appetite for everything... but not the duck, he claims that it's always too oily and a bite makes him want to puke. After much convincing, he decided he will have a piece.


I started researching and found out about the more famous restos that offer "the best" Peking Duck in town. However, I've also read reviews that these restaurants are quite overrated and overpriced eversince the Olympics in 2008. Luckily, I chanced upon a review of the Peking Duck Private Kitchen and it got me interested. I thought that it's different from the busy Chinese restaurant atmosphere, a place where we can relax and have a quiet dinner. I learned that a lot of foreign businessmen come here which is why I was sure that the staff can speak English. Also, the owner was once a chef in the famous Quanjude restaurant so I was quite confident that the quality of their food would not differ much from the pricey ones.

The interiors of the Peking Duck Private Kitchen exudes a warm, cozy atmosphere, perfect for an intimate dinner. .

What worried me was finding the restaurant itself. It was located in the Central Business District, quite far from where we were located and no subway station near. To save us from the hassle of getting lost, I printed a chinese translation of the place and decided to get a cab to bring us there. Indeed, it was a good move. The driver immediately understood what was written and we did not get lost. It was located right at the ground floor of a commercial building called Vantone Center.

I kept this photo in my tablet and printed a hard copy for safety
(Source: http://www.thebeijinger.com/directory/Peking-Duck-Private-Kitchen)

When we got there, a female staff greeted us and asked us if we made any reservations. I got nervous at first because we did not make any. I told her "no" and held my breath, fortunately, she signaled us to follow her and she led us to a table near the open kitchen. 


We ordered one whole duck set, tofu soup, cheesy duck rolls, sweet and sour pork and... since we're Pinoys... rice!

Our location allowed us to see the preparations inside the kitchen. We witnessed how they roast a duck and how they squeeze off excess oil from it. Then they hand it outside to the carver who is just in front of the window. He wasn't wearing any gloves but it didn't bother me. I was busy admiring his skills in carving the duck oh so beautifully.

a glass window to allow viewing of the kitchen

the duck carver

They brought the duck skin first, sort of like an appetizer, together with sugar for dipping. Unfotunately, I wasn't able to take shots of the duck skin.


When the duck set came, along with the sweet sauce, pancakes and vegetable stuffings, all of us were impressed. The duck meat was beautifully arranged on a platter set on top of a wooden box which served as a cover for the small candles that kept the meat warm.

It was indeed love at first bite. It wasn't that oily and biting into it is like biting into cotton candy. It literally melts inside the mouth.


Was I able to achieve my goals? Yes and yes. My dad enjoyed his birthday dinner very much and he loved the cozy atmosphere inside PDPK. As for my husband... well, I can now say that I've converted my husband not to discriminate against all Peking Duck. Saying that he "loved" PDPK duck is an understatement... he drooled over it and at the thought of it. He even dreamt about it that same night. I was so happy watching him stuff his mouth with duck meat and pancakes.

A whole duck set costs around 100rmb. Halfway through the dinner, we were already full. We could've just ordered the set and we would still be satisfied. But no, we had to listen to our Pinoy instincts and order cups of rice. Our total bill summed up to an estimate of 280rmb.


I wouldn't know the difference of the PDPK duck from Quanjude or Da Dong but one thing is for sure, it was indeed a meal to remember. ALL THUMBS UP!


Here's a short video of my husband who suddenly became THE EXPERT on eating a roasted duck:

Beijing: Hostel 161

With the help of Google & Pinoy Exchange, I was able to choose our accommodation for the duration of our trip in Beijing. No. 161 Hostel won because of its cheap price. Of course, it took a lot of consideration because I'll be travelling with my mom who is kind of meticulous when it comes to accommodations but fortunately, I was able to convince her that this is THE best choice for a 4-night vacay.


I booked a superior room with 2 beds through agoda for $146.16 for 4 nights. I used some points I've earned during my previous bookings and I was able to reduce the total amount to $121.16. That's a little over Php 5,000 and there were 4 of us in the group. So imagine our cost/person/night? My mom was really worried and kept asking me why it's that cheap. She was afraid that it'll turn out to be a shady hostel.


But as I've mentioned, I've thought about this, not just once, twice, thrice, but a lot. I've never stayed in a hostel before but seeing reviews and photos of 161 Hostel really kept me interested to try it. The turning point for me was when a fellow PEXer posted her own review which made me confident to book with them.


Aside from the cheap price, here are some other pros:

a) Location: It's a short walking-distance from Dongsi Subway Station (line 5). Just take Exit C and you'll find yourself facing Chaoyangmen Inner St. Turn left towards Dongsi S St. Turn left on Lishi Hutong (it's the 2nd alley from the corner of Chaoyangmen & Dongsi), you'll be able to see the hostel right away.

 

 Dongsi Station, Line 5, Exit C

b) Room: Ok, it's not THAT big but it's big enough considering there were 4 of us. There's still space on the floor to walk around and place our luggages. It has a functioning air-conditioning unit, a television (local channels only, we just kept it at the CCTV network) and 2 single beds. My husband and I shared one bed and my parents shared the other (frugal me).


c) Private Bath: While there is a common bath, we got the private ensuite. It's big, clean and with good water supply. Housekeeping provides basic bath necessities.


d) English speaking staff: Although not fluent but their English skills are good enough to carry a conversation. However, I noticed that the male staff were much friendlier than the girls. The guys were always smiling and greeting us when we pass by the reception desk. The girls were... just there.


e) WIFI - They have 2 free wifi connections, not that fast but it's tolerable. I didn't go to Beijing to surf the net anyway... plus they don't have Facebook in China, so what's the use of the internet really? =P


f) Computers in Lobby - They have 2 desktop computers located at the lobby free for anyone to use. It's perfect for last minute research right before you step out of the main door. 


g) Coffeeshop - I wasn't able to try any of their products but they have a very cozy area perfect for lounging. 

For cons, I really can't think of any. No. 161 Hostel is a perfect example for "Value for Money" so if I were to list down weaknesses, it wouldn't be fair since I might just list down some things that are usually found in 5-star hotels. It's perfect the way it is.

(Source: fqtprt of pinoyexchange.com)

 I printed this photo and kept it in my bag. 

I always showed this to taxi drivers when we want to go home