When someone invites you to join in their Momofuku Ssam Bar duck reservation, you say yes… oh yes indeed.
And when they ask you if you’d like to start the meal with some uni, you also say yes. Uni topped with grilled croutons that were brushed with something spicy, topped with a sheet of ham gelatin. Loved the play of textures and flavors – uni is quite soft on its own, but the spicy croutons added a really nice crunch to the dish, while the ham gelatin offered a savory sweetness to the dish.
I shouldn’t mention that there was a lot of alcohol flowing as well.
The duck dinner comes with your choice of two sides, and I picked the pickle plate. It came with a nice assortment of various pickled veggies, all of which were truly lovely and perfect foils to the richer meat accompanying.
The other side choice was the broccoli salad – which came very lightly dressed with a creamy dressing and topped with crumbly bits of bacon – was freaking awesome. I really enjoyed how crunchy they’d cooked the broccoli, when lots of places tend to overcook broccoli or just cook it more than I prefer. Perfect.
Time for the main event.
A huge platter of duck landed in front of us, spread over rice, alongside chive pancakes and some fresh herbs. Then a giant bowl of butter lettuce and bowls of condiments – scallion ginger oil (you can’t see it in the pic), fried crispy shallots, a garlic chili oil similar to Sriracha but made in house, and hoisin sauce – joined the party.
And the duck… put it this way. The first 2-3 pieces made it into my stomach with zero adornment because they were just that succulent, soft, and delicious. It was simply incredible. Eventually, realizing I had to share with two other grown men who can eat, I started wrapping slices in the butter lettuce, with a bit of the chili garlic sauce, hoisin sauce, crispy shallots – which added so much texture, omg so good – and then fresh cilantro. That’s how I ate the remaining duck – so freaking good. I held my own against the two men and ate&drank my weight in duck and wine. YEAH I DID. 🙂
Before you think I’ve made up with David Chang and no longer hate him… no, not at all. I enjoyed some things at Ma Peche, though not EVERYTHING. I practically despised my meal at Momofuku Noodle Bar, his first establishment. And while I enjoyed the duck at Ssam Bar – and would go back for this in a heartbeat – that doesn’t mean I’m suddenly Mr. Chang’s biggest fan. I like some things he offers, I don’t like others… so perhaps he’s on his way to being not-on-my-bad-list, but I haven’t made up with him completely just yet.
I think I may have to see about a fried chicken dinner first, then we’ll talk about getting him off my crap list.
Maybe.
Chewthefat says
The picture of that duck is AMAZING! And I wish I could have that broccoli salad for lunch. I understand your reservations about giving a good review given your previous experiences, but when a chef becomes as much of a ‘brand name’ as David Chang, it gets to the point that a good review isn’t necessarily about him, personally, but more just about the specific ‘jewel’ in his crown. Congrats on getting to review such a ‘hot’ establishment.
Feisty Foodie says
I think there’s a bit of misunderstanding; I’ve no reluctance in saying good things about a restaurant regardless of the chef. However, he himself is still not on my “good” list. With regard to this establishment, I went there in 2006 (about a week after it opened) and found the food lacking, and returned in 2007 or 2008, and found what I had mediocre. The dishes at this place are generally only OK; however, the duck dinner is incredible and highly recommended.
I would not call this a ‘hot’ establishment, though.
CheeeeEEEEse says
I’m fairly sure this would be on my list of death row meals….except the uni. Don’t like the texture at all.
Al-dente is the only way that broccoli should be cooked. Any other way should be looked down upon with total scorn.
Feisty Foodie says
Uni was an add-on; the duck dinner includes everything else.
I should have mentioned that the duck breast is stuffed with a duck-and-something sausage under the skin/above the duck meat, which you can sort of see in the last picture (the texture is different from duck to sausage). It was so, so, so good.
hungry says
I always wondered how much duck one would get with Momofuku’s duck dinner. Looks generous.
You know how I feel about their fried chicken. I wonder if it was an off night though.
Feisty Foodie says
As mentioned in my comment to Cheese above, it’s actually duck breast stuffed with duck sausage. Also, though I didn’t take a photo (my hands were occupied when they brought it out), they also brought over a bowl containing all the other parts of the duck – wings, drumstick, etc. – that we picked at as well. It’s a generous portion, for sure.
corinne says
That fried chicken meal is to die for! So good and really affordable. IF you need anyone to eat it with…
Feisty Foodie says
Haha, Corinne, I’ll keep that in mind 😉
The duck dinner is meant for 3-6 people. We had 3 and left no duck behind 😉
Kimberley Berry says
Very appetizing, especially for me who loves Asian food. And the portion of duck is great!
Feisty Foodie says
It was great!
Dessert Zombie says
Whoa. I think I am wanting to do Ssam sometime. Hopefully the experience will be decent. Sounds like it is worth a try.
Feisty Foodie says
Just the duck dinner. Or try the fried chicken (which I haven’t had yet)… but don’t do the bo ssam. I did not enjoy that experience.
Fred says
Uhm……Hello?
Feisty Foodie says
Hi!
Fred says
You ok? No posts for a while
Feisty Foodie says
I didn’t realize it’d been a whole month! Yikes bikes! I’ve been super duper busy, and part of why will be revealed very shortly. Apologies! Thanks for the concern 🙂
Emily says
Miss you. Hope all is well.
Feisty Foodie says
Aw, I miss posting…
sherm says
Another sabbatical?
Feisty Foodie says
No, sorry! I didn’t realize it’d been a month. Have some posts in the queue ready to go that needed a final look, but hadn’t had time. Sorry…