By Wendy Furrer, for Wausau Pilot and Review
Whether you are new to the Wausau area, have been here awhile or are just passing through, the Landmark Hotel Building is one of the most recognized historic spots in the heart of our downtown. Inside the beautiful Landmark, The Peking Restaurant has been a most treasured Wausau tradition since 1980.
Mitch Meurette started working in the kitchen at Peking in 1990. Learning the ropes and an appreciation for the hard work it takes to run a restaurant, Meurette would become co-owner of Peking with Jeff Cheng in 2000. In August 2018, upon Cheng’s retirement and with a commitment to offer a truly unique dining experience to the Wausau area, Meurette and his wife Lori became the sole owners of Peking and have more than 20 employees on their team.
Mitch Meurette said many people who hear they operate a Chinese restaurant are surprised to see there are no “red lanterns and Chinese music playing” at Peking. On the contrary, dinner at Peking is truly an elegant and relaxing dining experience.
Since assuming ownership, the couple certainly added their own unique charm to the “new Peking.” Floor to ceiling, the space has been freshened up with great attention to detail. When entering the restaurant through new glass entry doors, among the familiar Landmark statuesque marble decor, guests will notice updates like the lounge seating area where lunch tables were once placed, as well as the all new bar seating and updated bar area.
The dining room doors have all been opened to full views of the expansive beautiful space that was once The Landmark Hotel ballroom. Lofty ceilings and windows, original chandeliers, ornate 1925 architecture, and the dining room’s beautiful centerpiece fireplace all provide for a truly elegant dining experience. Mitch and Lori Meurette say all their efforts have been focused on providing an outstanding guest experience: to relax, enjoy an amazing dinner, and not to hurry off, but to take their time to enjoy their visit to the restaurant.
The menu has been freshened up a bit, too. Be assured that while you may still enjoy Peking’s fresh, made to order traditional Chinese Cantonese favorites from the menu, Mitch Meurette said he wants guests to know that “if you call ahead to let me know you’re coming, I am happy to prepare, at your request, a unique ‘chef’s special’ just for your group.”
Peking Owners Mitch and Lori Meurette say they are truly committed to the unique dining experience Peking provides to the Wausau area. They love to hear stories of customers who come from near and far to enjoy dinner at the restaurant because of what Peking has meant to them and their families. While the recognitions and wonderful reviews continue to motivate them, what they want the most is to provide their guests a relaxing enjoyable evening with great food and drinks.
Plan a night out at Peking soon to enjoy a fabulous dinner and cocktails, and plan to stay awhile. Be sure to try their hand-muddled mojitos, and check out their Monday through Thursday happy hour specials.
Connect on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/PekingWausau/ or on Instagram @pekingrestraurantwausau
Their menu can be found online at: PekingRestaurantWausau.com
The restaurant is open for dinner at 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and offers lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
10 Quick Questions: Peking Restaurant
NAME: Peking Restaurant
WHERE TO FIND US: 221 Scott Street, Wausau
PHONE: 715-842 -8080
FOUNDED: 1980
OWNERS: Mitchell and Lori Meurette
NUMBER OF OF EMPLOYEES: 23
SOMETHING YOU ARE PROUD OF CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY:
Wausau Daily Herald Readers Choice voted Best Asian. Wausau City pages voted Best Ethnic Dining. “Voted in the top 25 in the State of Wisconsin” – Dennis Getto. The Milwaukee Journal Magazine review shared “Some of the best Chinese food this side of the Pacific”. From The Wisconsin Trail Magazine, “Serving exceptional Chinese food in a gauzy atmosphere strait out of the Great Gatsby”. We also help out with out with our local community by sponsoring various events.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT LIVING & WORKING IN CENTRAL WISCONSIN:
Local support is the best and we love the close relationships we build with our customers and local businesses. We both grew up in Central Wisconsin and love being a part of the heart of downtown Wausau. Our city offers so much year round and we are proud to be a part of it.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:
We are currently updating the bar and next summer will be taking the decor back to look close to what it would have been in the 1920s with dark tones highlighting the dining room’s beautiful, gothic-inspired design. We now feature delivery through EatStreet – you may order through our website.
FUN FACT:
You can enjoy Peking delivered to your office or home – just head to their website and select “Order Now” to be connected to EatStreet for delivery.
All photos courtesy of Lori Meurette
Contributing business writer Wendy Furrer is owner of host: central wisconsin consulting group and enjoys promoting and working with Central Wisconsin businesses to recruit and retain talent by “selling” life #inthecw. Connect at: [email protected] or https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-schneck-furrer-3a117495/
