A renowned Chinese restaurant chain has transformed the historic La Grenouille in Manhattan's Upper East Side into its latest North American outpost. This new establishment, iDen & Quanjude Beijing Duck House, maintains the classic ambiance of the former French dining room while introducing an entirely distinct culinary tradition. The restaurant offers 80 seats and features dishes such as the signature Peking duck prepared in a style that dates back to 1864 when the original location opened in China.

Meanwhile, other notable openings include regional Indian brunches at Dhamaka and a diverse menu at Bar Mercer. Additionally, Döner Haus introduces affordable Middle Eastern cuisine in Bayside with celebratory discounts on their opening day.

The Fusion of Heritage and Modernity

iDen & Quanjude Beijing Duck House harmoniously blends traditional elements from both its Chinese roots and the preserved charm of the old La Grenouille space. The venue retains much of its iconic decor, respecting the cherished memories associated with this site over decades. Offering a specialty dish priced at $128 or an extravagant version incorporating caviar for $268, alongside exotic options like bird’s nest and sea cucumber, it caters to gourmet tastes seeking authenticity.

Established in 1864, the brand boasts approximately fifty locations across China. When Andy Zhang acquired the property last year for an impressive sum of $14.2 million, he opted against redesigning the interior akin to his Vancouver branch. Instead, he chose preservation based on public sentiment towards maintaining historical significance within the setting. Such decisions underscore a commitment not merely to serve exceptional food but also to honor cultural continuity through architecture and atmosphere alike.

Weekend Culinary Adventures

As part of the city's evolving gastronomic landscape, two establishments are enhancing weekend dining experiences by introducing innovative brunch offerings. Dhamaka presents a unique take on Indian cuisine during weekends, featuring multi-course meals inspired by regional specialties including Kashmiri traditions. At Bar Mercer, Preston Clark crafts comforting yet sophisticated plates ranging from smoked salmon toast to indulgent brunch burgers, providing variety appealing to different palates.

Dhamaka invites diners to indulge in a Kashmiri wazwan followed by selections of paneer kanti or grilled chicken paired with second courses encompassing paneer in yellow gravy among others. Simultaneously, Bar Mercer serves familiar favorites reimagined with creative twists; these range from hearty hangover pasta to elegant crab cakes Benedict. These ventures reflect efforts made throughout New York City to diversify culinary opportunities available every Saturday and Sunday morning.