BEST NYC DISH OF THE WEEK: Mashed Potatoes with Duck Heart Gravy at PECKING HOUSE

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

I came to Pecking House, obviously, for the fried chicken. This hugely popular fried chicken business started during the pandemic as a pop-up out of Chef Eric Huang’s family’s restaurant in Queens. It gained a huge following (for those lucky enough to be within their delivery radius) and a waiting list of thousands.

So it was only a matter of time that they transitioned into a brick-and-mortar restaurant and I was lucky enough that it was in Brooklyn not far from where I lead one of my food tours.

While the chili fried chicken is their signature dish, it was a different very unexpected side dish that caught me by surprise and made me consider lining up for a second serving.

The fried chicken was mighty tasty, especially the over-the-top crust. Lots of sweet flavor with a bit of Sichuan spiciness. To be honest, I thought the heat could have been cranked up a notch. It wasn’t even close to the fire from Rowdy Rooster. Or the numbing I get from other Szechuan restaurants.

And the tender meat inside was great, but it too could have soaked up more of the addicting flavor from the exterior. This is a great chicken, but the real reason to wait in that line is for the side portion of mashed potatoes.

I’m not even a huge fan of mashed potatoes with gravy – I would take French fries or au gratin any day. But this side dish was life changing, Truly.

The fluffy potatoes themselves were irresistibly buttery and smooth, yet the addition of the duck heart gravy was revelatory. The meaty bites of duck heart was rich and luxurious (better than any bacon bits) adding a perfect texture to the rich side dish.

I most likely will skip the gravy at the Thanksgiving table this week, but if Chef Huang was bringing his masterful take, I would not only put my plate out, I would definitely ask for seconds. Price: $7 (or part of $18-$27 combo meal)