Ann W.
Yelp
Peking duck is typically served as part of a celebratory meal. Because of the lengthy process required to roast the duck to achieve its signature lacquered skin (the skin needs to be dried), the meal is typically pre-ordered a few days beforehand. Therefore, I was surprised to see it on the Hong Hua menu, without that usual caveat. Yay, what an unexpectedly happy surprise.
There are so many different preparations for the duck. I am more accustomed to seeing 3 courses consisting of:
1st course: duck meat/skin with thin crepes
2nd course: duck meat stir-fried
3rd course: soup made of the duck bones
Here at Hong Hua, two courses are offered.
If you've never had Peking duck, carefully-carved morsels of duck meat and skin are placed on the warm crepe, topped with crunchy scallions, pickled carrots and (I think) daikon, and a small dollop of a sweet/savory (Hoisin) sauce. It is then folded and eaten like a burrito. I liked that the scallions and pickled vegetables added contrast in taste and texture to the rich duck skin, a critical part of the Peking duck meal.
The stir-fry consisted of the rest of the duck meat cooked along with mushrooms, bean sprouts, and scallions, in a thick brown sauce. It can be served with either crispy noodles (pictured), fried rice, or lettuce wraps, all for an additional charge. The stir-fry and noodles were packaged separately, so as not to become soggy, I suspect. They came together easily and nicely. The meal is huge and serves 4 people.
In addition, I ordered the crab rangoon (my brother's fave) which was larger than average, crispy, and quite good. It was served with a sweet sauce.
The restaurant is located right off of I-696, on Orchard Lake, so it is easily accessible from many of the neighboring suburbs. Since I ordered this meal for pick-up, I missed out on the ceremony (carving the duck table-side) associated with the meal. Nonetheless, it was a much-needed, much-savored meal.