Peking Cuisine
Enjoy crispy-skinned Peking duck in this authentic Chinese restaurant run by a chef and staff from northern Mainland China. The restaurant recommends diners call ahead to order Peking duck as it sells out quickly to the majority Chinese clientele. Ducks hang on special fan racks in the kitchen to dry and include servings of thin pancakes, spring scallions, and plum sauce. Sides include baby bock choy and duck broth soup. An extensive Chinese menu offers a wider selection than the paper English menu and includes a selection of spicy southern dishes and combo plates. These combo meals serve small groups and give guests the chance to choose three hot dishes, three cold dishes, and three servings of bread. Try the braised pork with crushed garlic and soy sauce if Peking duck is unavailable. Remodeled in 2004, Peking Cuisine is situated less than 2 miles from the members-only Braeburn Country Club.
Peking Cuisine
8332 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77074-1603
(713) 988-5838
Yao Restaurant and Bar
Owned by the family of Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets, the tallest player in the NBA, Yao's Restaurant and Bar offers an extensive MSG-free Chinese-American menu in a main dining room, four private rooms, and an upscale bar. Private dining rooms seat four to 24 and some include big screen TVs for presentations or to watch the latest game. Enjoy unusual cocktails like the green monkey, a fruit-flavored vodka drink, during happy hour every day from 3 to 7 p.m. Try lunch specials that include a small bowl of soup and egg roll, or call in advance to order specials such as the family banquet dinner. Peking duck is served hot and carved by the chef at your table. Yao Restaurant is located 4 miles from the Lakeside Country Club.
Yao Restaurant and Bar
9755 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77042
(832) 251-2588
yaorestaurant.com
Shanghai River Restaurant
Open since 1970, Shanghai River specializes in the spicy cuisine of Hunan and Szechuan provinces in southwest China. The Wang family consists of generations of chefs who catered for the president of Taiwan in the 1950s before relocating to Houston. White tablecloths and candlelight illuminate Chinese paintings on the walls and a walnut-paneled full bar with selections of Chinese and domestic beer, liquor, and wine. A private party space overlooks the main dining room, where Peking duck is served tableside. Try the steamed dumplings, or call in advance for dishes such as ginger-steamed fish. Orders can be placed online and delivery is available from this Triple AAA diamond rated restaurant. The Shanghai River Restaurant is located one mile from the River Oaks Country Club.
Shanghai River Restaurant
2407 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 528-5528
shanghairiverrestaurant.com
About The Author
Jessica Alzarana has a Bachelor of Music in music composition from the University of North Texas, and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in music therapy from Texas Woman's University. Alzarana's essays have been published by UNICEF State of the World Children's Report, BootsNAll, Alarana Atelier, eHow, and Travels.
