Lulu Modern is giving turkey the bird.
This holiday season, the modern Asian restaurant in Plano is celebrating its first anniversary with the Flaming Duck Feast, a packaged Peking duck holiday spread that gives diners an alternative to traditional Thanksgiving turkey.
“As we approached our first anniversary, we wanted to create something that reflected what Lulu [Modern] has become known for,” says founder Sunny Chang. “Our Flaming Peking Duck is the centerpiece of so many celebrations at the restaurant, so creating a holiday feast around it felt like a natural way to bring that experience into people’s homes.”
Lulu Modern opened last fall at 3310 Dallas Parkway, bringing a modern interpretation of Asian cuisine to Plano. The concept reflects Chang’s experience growing up Asian American, navigating the duality of two cultures. That blend of tradition and innovation is especially evident in the restaurant’s signature Flaming Peking Duck.
“Peking duck is more than a dish in Chinese culture,” says Chang. “It’s a centuries-old dining tradition associated with celebration, hospitality, and culinary craftsmanship, which makes it especially meaningful for the holidays.”
The dish has a long history. Roast duck originated in 13th-century Hangzhou, before being associated with Nanjing and, eventually, Beijing. During the Qing dynasty, chefs developed the gualu, or hanging oven, creating the method that helped shape today’s Peking duck preparation.
Over the last year, the Flaming Peking Duck has become the suburban restaurant’s showstopper, combining Chinese flavors with tableside spectacle. A dedicated Peking duck chef who oversees the three-day preparation process that includes seasoning, airdrying, and roasting. The dish takes tradition a step further with a tableside flambé.
Now, the experience is coming home just in time for the holidays.
“For many families, turkey is expected,” said Chang. “We’re offering something memorable. The Flaming Duck Feast gives guests an opportunity to celebrate with bold flavors, incredible presentation, and an experience they won’t find anywhere else.”
Priced at $188, the Flaming Duck Feast packages the restaurant’s theatrical dish and serves four to six. The holiday package includes a whole Peking duck, cucumbers, green onions, hoisin sauce, Taiwanese sausage fried rice, bao buns, crepes, green beans, duck, mushroom tofu soup, and a 6-ounce bottle of SMALA, the restaurant’s proprietary hot sauce made with Sichuan peppercorns and Italian spices.
“We recommend gently reheating the duck in the oven to maintain the crispness of the skin,” explains Chang. “Then set everything out family-style and let guests build their own wraps with the crepes, hoisin, cucumber, and scallions. That’s part of what makes it fun and interactive.”
Bringing the feast to the table requires little effort. Simply reheat the whole duck at 375 degrees for up to 30 minutes, or 20 minutes for a half duck and 15 minutes for sliced duck. For extra-crispy skin, turn up the heat to 425 degrees for the final two to three minutes.
The Flaming Duck Feast must be preordered at least seven days in advance, with orders available online. For Plano diners looking to break from Thanksgiving tradition, it’s a chance to trade the usual turkey and trimmings for a holiday spread with a little more flair.
“It’s a celebration of our first year and a reflection of where we’re headed,” says Chang. “The Flaming Duck Feast brings together our signature dish, hospitality, and the idea of creating memorable experiences around the table. That’s always been at the heart of Lulu.”
Lulu Modern, 3310 Dallas Pkwy. Ste. 121, Plano, lulu-modern.com
