Ji Rong Peking Duck — Restaurant in Rosemead

You have to first understand that I'm a tough "grader" on here (you can see that with my other reviews). We first tried to come here late in their lunch window, but were told the duck had sold out for that session and would have to return for dinner. This was on New Year's Day, and they had a special situation with the duck where you didn't have to pre-order over an hour in advance but had to arrive early to ensure getting duck before it sold out. No problem ... they were very clear in their instructions on that. Also, that we should come before opening as a long line normally occurs outside to get in.

We did not run into any parking issues, and I don't see where it would be hard to park near this place. We arrive for dinner 30 min before they opened and got second in line to get in. A long line did quickly form after we got there as described. A man came out to take duck orders for those in line.

Once inside the ambiance of the place was really good. Service was expedient and great ... we got our duck about 5 min after being seated.

You need to understand better what I'm about to say with the following pre-amble. My wife is authentic Chinese (came here eight years ago - I am not Chinese). We have had duck at the best (at least most popular) spots in Beijing. We have also had duck multiple times at the Peking Gourmet Inn outside of Washington, DC, which is considered by a lot of people the best Peking Duck in the US. So I think we know our Peking Duck well. We both felt that this was the best Peking Duck we have had in the US which is really saying something. My wife is extremely picky about the authenticity of Chinese food here in the US, and very much enjoyed everything here and stated it was very authentic. Over 90% of the people seated in the restaurant were Chinese to support that point.

In addition, we got the black fungus and Chinese yam which was exceptional. Finally, I ordered a Green Milk Tea which was very good.

Obviously, we highly recommend anyone seeking Peking Duck in the LA area to go to this restaurant ... just make sure...

BEWARE: Hot tea is not complimentary compared with in the past at Chinese restaurants. You pay for that kettle of hot tea. The ratio of tea leaves to hot water is bad-not balanced. It’s more water than tea leaves so tea tastes very light.

Either that or it was another table’s tea that they just added some more tea leaves because it tasted very light. Very light But it like it was on its at least second or 3rd brew.

On the pricey side since it got featured at LA18 network I think. Specialty is duck. This restaurant is capitalizing on that being featured on a TV show.

Non-duck dishes are average. On a blind taste test, non-duck dishes tastes the similar as other places that have lower prices.

They do have other dishes. Seafood, poultry chicken, pork, etc.

The young short male server attendant plus the other young female server attendant we had were nice and cool.

We had to wait for my parents and sibling. So it took time for them to arrive. This was our mid-autumn festival celebration. It got ruined.

The a bit chubby lady “boss” is not cool, the other senior staff not cool and not nice. The female “boss” plus the other older staff became a bit passive-aggressive. I think she was pushing the young male server attendant to kick us out even though my parents have not finished eating yet.

The male tall skinny kind of spiky hairdo server attendant acted very rudely. Hence, it’s reflected on this review.

Our group is not majority Chinese and only 2 can speak Chinese. It felt a bit they, the “boss” and senior staff, prefers a group of Chinese speaking customers and big spenders.

The other group behind us were treated a lot better by the “boss” and other senior staff as that group is majority Chinese speaking.

Parking lot is shared with surrounding businesses within the plaza. No problem finding a...

One of my co-workers invited a few of us along with his parents who's visiting from China here for brunch this past weekend. Let me say this brunch experience has got to be one of the best brunches I've had in a very long time. He reserved a table for 8 of us including 2 small children. We were sat immediately. Since it was my co-worker's treat, he let it all up to him for ordering. Let me tell you, he did not disappoint. We had an incredible 14 course brunch.

Here's what he ordered:

Bejing Roasted Duck Kung Pao chicken Lamb w/Cumin Spicy Fish Pumpkin w/Preserved Egg Beef Roll Hot & Sour Soup Walnut Shrimp Green Beef & Chive Pancake Hainan Chicken Green String Beans Sauteed Bean Spouts with Duck Meat Stir Fry Wood Ear Mushroom Duck and Veggie Soup

Everything was fantastic. I especially loved the Bejing Roasted Duck. It was so good. The skin was extra crispy and the meat was so tender. They provide you with thinly sliced cucumber, green onions, sweet sauce, and also these thin "tortilla" like paper for you to make little duck tacos. These tacos are the best I've had. If you like spicy like me, you would appreciate the spicy fish. It's so spicy and leaves your tongue feeling numb. The hainan chicken is incredibly tasty and the spicy chili oil that came with it is money! So good! The lamb with cumin was also very delicious. As for service, it was okay..water and tea was given.

Ji Rong is worth checking out with a group of friends or family. You want to try everything.

Location: Look for the Empire Commercial Center when you're driving on Valley. The restaurant is situated below that sign. Parking sucks in the plaza. Street parking is better if you're here...