My girls and I wanted to kick of the new year with a dinner at one of Chicago’s most popular new restaurants. Another gem brought to us by Stephanie Izard, Duck Duck Goat did not disappoint. I’m a huge fan of Asian food, despite my seafood allergy, and Izard’s team was sure to take care of all of our weird food issues. Whenever I go out with these girls, we joke that we are the most unique table in the restaurant, as we have one vegetarian, one gluten free (not by choice), one seafood allergic and if we can find a place that allows dogs…that’s a perk! While no dogs were allowed inside of Duck Duck Goat, they had specialized menus that suited all four of us to choose some of Izard’s most coveted dishes on the regular menu. Check out the perfect meal to kick off 2017!
Veggie Spring Rolls
First of all, I am a spring roll addict. I don’t think I can go out for Asian food unless I have a spring roll. That being said it was a must. I literally wish they could’ve just sent me a whole these of these all for myself. Crispy, flavorful and the perfect bite to start off our meal. The vegetable filling was just perfect and the sauce they served with it was the perfect balance that set the dish.
Dan Dan Noodles
Another dish I have never tried before, and honestly, I’m not sure if I would again. The reviews that I saw raved about this dish, and I definitely put it on my list for things to order, plus, I’m a noodle addict. It was a thick, peanut and pork sauce over dense egg noodles. It just didn’t seem to meld well together. I’m not sure if we even finished the bowl of the popular noodles. While they weren’t my favorite, I think if you are a fan of Dan Dan noodles, it’s worth a try!
Veggie Fried RiceFried rice is another one of those staples that I’m not sure I could go a take out night without ordering it, so we knew that we had to place an order for the veggie fried rice. With brown and jasmine rice with almonds and glass noodles, it was a little different than your typical fried rice, but we found ourselves completing for who could get that last spoonful of deliciousness on our plate. While it was a little on the salty-side, it was definitely one of my favorite dishes.
MaPo Tofu I didn’t order this, but I ate it anyway. That’s the glory about going out for Chinese food with friends – you get to try a little bit of everything! Never in a million years would I order straight up tofu out, but this has changed my mind completely. It had this sauce that all I can describe as a “firecracker in the mouth.” It was addictingly spicy and the tofu melt in your mouth. I couldn’t get enough of it.
Grilled Beef and Broccoli
How did they do this? How on earth did they make something so savory, so garlicky, yet creamy? I don’t even have words to describe what happened on the plate. the beef was this amazing tender cut of meat with a light sauce, fresh broccoli and crispy onion strings. It was spicy, but not too spicy and I would’ve licked the plate if I didn’t have any decency. I day dream about this dish.