At Vivienne's Bistro, the duck is worth the hype - Review - Seattle - The Infatuation
"The Downtown Seattle location of this upscale-ish Chinese restaurant makes for a reliable, low-effort group meal the neighborhood desperately needs. Though the bilevel dining room is narrow, there’s enough space to spread out without feeling like you’re snooping on your neighbors’ conversation. And the enticing scent of fried pork from the open kitchen in the back will inspire you to put in some extra dumpling orders. Come for a power lunch or a pre-theater meal involving a few blockbuster entrees, including the restaurant’s Forbidden Duck, a signature dish that lives up to glistening hype. Food Rundown Shishito Peppers Nicely charred with a surprising amount of kick, which a swipe of the creamy herb mayo on the side can counteract. Nothing too revolutionary for peppers, but a solid starter. photo credit: Gabe Guarente Lobster Rangoon The casing has more snap than a Lego set, and we like the creamy filling, though the lobster gets a little lost. photo credit: Gabe Guarente Lace Chive Dumplings They’re not kidding about the “lace” part, as this dish arrives with a dramatic, lightly fried plume on top. But it’s not all flair—the plump dumpling underneath is bursting with herbs and juicy meat. Get it for the table and make heads turn. photo credit: Gabe Guarente Toothpick Spicy Lamb Among the best entrees here is this classic Sichuan dish. It has cumin-flecked lamb that falls apart faster than Seattleites making plans, and a mix of bright peppers brings some serious heat. Just watch those tiny toothpicks—they can hide while clinging to the meat. photo credit: Gabe Guarente Master Chef Noodles With Shrimp The lo mein is not much different than you would find at most Chinese takeout spots in the city. It’s fine, but can easily be skipped. photo credit: Gabe Guarente Forbidden Roast Duck Ah, the dish that’ll draw your attention most—and not just because of the $75 price tag. It has crackly skin so shiny it reflects the overhead lamps, meat that makes us wonder why chicken even exists, and a beautiful pool of smoky-sweet hoisin tying it all together. Tuck everything in the soft bao with cucumber and caramelized lemon for a perfect bite. photo credit: Gabe Guarente Twice-Cooked Pork Belly Another must-order main dish. The meat is so tender it should have its own emo compilation album, and it’s drenched in a chili garlic sauce that’s more pleasant than mouth-numbing. photo credit: Gabe Guarente Pistachio Torte Rich chocolate pairs well with the airy cream on top and a dusting of sugar all around. It’s like an edible jewelry box—and a worthy end to the meal." - Gabe Guarente
