Peking Gourmet Inn

A friend recently observed that I always seek new experiences and food that is unfamiliar, while she likes to stick with the things that she knows. Although that is usually the case, sometimes it is comforting to visit an old family haunt to revisit childhood favorites. When I was back in Washington DC for work this week, I managed to visit the Peking Gourmet Inn in Bailey's Crossroads. The restaurant has been around since the late 1970's, you can tell by the decor and service.  There is an old style formality that I rarely see in the newer Chinese restaurants that I have been to in the area.  The restaurant is an old favorite of the Bush family, and the walls are lines with photographs from an unusual selection of Washington insiders and celebrities from Colin Powell to John Travolta.  The restaurant has been the subject of some rather scathing reviews recently, including one in Tom Sietsema's Washington Post Spring Dining guide that resulted in 1/2 star.  However, I had excellent service and great food on my recent visit.  The restaurant is known for peking duck and garlic sprouts, and I highly recommend both.  On this trip, I was craving a selection of dishes that were introduced by some great family friends, who first took my family to the restaurant during a visit to DC over 20 years ago.  I still remember the first time they introduced me to the spinach saute with garlic.  I have never had spinach as good anywhere else.

Server Carving a Peking Duck

Spinach Saute

Scallops with Roasted Garlic

Kung Pao Shrimp