Vol. I · New York · MMXXV
For Those Who Prioritize the Palate
A Review — New York

Yingtao x Pecking House

A collaboration between Michelin-starred Yingtao and Brooklyn's beloved fried chicken house — comfort food, elevated.

When a Michelin-starred chef collaborates with a neighborhood fried chicken legend, the result should be either spectacular or chaotic. The Pecking House Happy Meal is mostly the former, with one or two notes of restraint that hold it back from greatness.

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Main Course

Fried Chicken Sandwich

The star of the show, the Fried Chicken Sandwich, is exceptionally flavorful, with chicken cooked to perfection and boasting a super crispy exterior. While the chicken itself could benefit from a bit more seasoning and a touch more heat, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise outstanding sandwich.

The pickled cucumber is a welcome addition, imparting a unique taste profile that works wonderfully with the sauce. What truly sets this sandwich apart is the bread toast used instead of a usual bun — it's perfect and almost melts in your mouth. This sandwich alone makes the visit definitely worth it.

———
Side

Corn Bread

The accompanying Corn Bread is a standout in its own right. It's perfectly sweet, moist, and flavorful, living up to its reputation as super light and one of the better ones I've had recently.

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Dessert

Housemade Stout Beer Ice Cream

Concluding the meal is the intriguing Housemade Stout Beer Ice Cream. It features a delicious coconut and chocolate crumble which adds fantastic texture. The ice cream itself has a strong malt taste from the stout, balanced with a subtle hint of salt. The crumble definitely enhances the overall experience of this unique dessert.

From the Bar

Liquid Notes

Order

Sour Plum

Piggyback Rye and Japanese Sweet Bermutto. Sour-forward and refreshing, with a subtle aftertaste of rye. Leans on the stronger side. Note: the plum itself doesn't really come through — this is more about the interplay of rye and sour notes.

The Verdict

Dish Deconstructed

A four-pillar framework. One to five.

First Bite
3
/ 5
Flavor Journey
3
/ 5
Technical Execution
4
/ 5
Order Again
3
/ 5
Honestly Speaking

The Fried Chicken Sandwich alone justifies the visit. The cornbread is a real surprise.

In Context

The Critics, Side by Side

Honestly Speaking 3.25 / 5
Yelp4.5 / 5
Google4.7 / 5
The Infatuation7.8 / 10
Michelin1 ★