The Citiblog
MOTHER DUCK OPENS ON LES
August 3, 2021, 11:49.11 am ET
Sour Coconut Black Sea Bass Soup
Mother Duck is a new Asian-inspired eatery from restaurateur Jonathan Morr (BondST, Republic) now open on the Lower East Side with shareable plates, noodles, bao buns, and rice bowls – and everything priced under $20.
For those who remember Morr’s noodle shop, Republic, in Union Square – Mother Duck is Republic reincarnated for today’s diner, with cravable, flavorful food at accessible prices in a fun and lively atmosphere. Consulting chef and Morr’s longtime friend, Julie Farias, collaborated on the menu, while Chef Nicholas Seider (BondST, Secchu Yokota, 1 or 8) executes in the kitchen day-to-day.
Veggie Dumplings
Mother Duck’s shareable menu charms the senses with bright colors and bold flavors – and there are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. Guests can enjoy small plates (all priced under $10) like Veggie Wontons fried with a crispy lattice and served with ginger-sesame dipping sauce; Chicken Wings with chocolate chili sauce; and the Salmon Tart – a take on BondST’s much-loved Tuna Tart – with salmon, shaved red onion, creamy ponzu, and micro herbs.
Charred Squid with Black Rice Noodles
Generous bowls of noodles, either wok-fried or in broth, include options like Charred Squid with black rice noodles, baby corn, and Szechuan peppercorn sauce; Duck Confit Yellow Curry with rice noodles, lychee, orange, and Malay curry sauce; and Sour Coconut Black Sea Bass Soup with rice noodles, ginger flower, pickled green beans, and fresh herbs. There’s also 2-per-order bao buns filled with Eggplant Miso (with house pickles and fresh herbs) or Duck Confit (with scallions, house pickles, and house hoisin); rice bowls like the Chili-Smoked Skirt Steak with coconut rice, shared scallion relish, and Chinese broccoli; and Green Tea Frozen Yogurt (with or without chocolate) for dessert. For weekend brunch, launching August 7, guests can also enjoy two burgers in addition to the full menu.
Eggplant Miso Bao
Beverage-wise, Mother Duck offers wine, beer, and sake, a selection of boozy and non-boozy punches, and signature cocktails like Vietnamese Coffee Flip (Tito’s vodka, cold brew, egg, condensed milk) and the Peak Time (Jensen’s dry gin, Green Chartreuse, lemongrass). Weekday happy hour is available at the bar Tuesday through Friday from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM with $5 beers and $7 cocktails.
Photos: Mother Duck
Mother Duck is located on the corner of Stanton and Orchard in the former Pizza Beach space. The interiors were updated with bright blue hues and new lighting fixtures, as well as eye-catching murals from LES-based graffiti artist, John Wright. The bar area can seat up to 24 at high tops, with an additional 13 at the bar counter, while the main dining room offers seating for up to 65 guests at banquettes and round tables. Accordion doors open to the street allowing for tons of natural light and fresh air – but for those who want to truly dine al fresco, Mother Duck’s sidewalk seating can accommodate up to 40. A lower-level private dining room is expected to be available by mid-September and will seat up to 28.
Mother Duck is located at 167 Orchard St, New York, NY (646) 719-1700
For more information, visit motherducknyc.com
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