Slice of Geoduck Clam Sashimi
Years and years ago, I'm told, Ann Arborites had to go to Toledo, Ohio to find a good dinner. Now, Ann Arbor is a restaurant mecca, but there's still occasionally a reason to head to Toledo for a meal. Wei Wei Noodles is one of those reasons. Plan to go hungry so you have plenty of room for a feast.
The menu is mainly Chinese dishes with a few others, such as Vietnamese summer rolls and miso soup. Many of the standards we've come to expect at Chinese restaurants in the States are there, but the stars of the menu are the noodle dishes and the special seafood dishes.
Joe's parents adore clams, mussels, oysters -- any seafood in a shell -- and they were particularly delighted to discover the geoduck and razor clams and knew they had to share their discovery. A date was set and we all went to Wei Wei to experience the marvel that is... the Geoduck Clam.
Geoduck is actually pronounced "gooey-duck". In Chinese, the clams are called "elephant trunk clams". If you click on the photo, you'll see why. They are a native American salt-water clam species that buries themselves up to a meter deep within the sediment in the Puget sound between Washington state and British Columbia. They are sometimes sold as "king clam" in the States, and they are considered a delicacy in Asia. In the US, they're just considered the best clams for clam chowder. While that may be true, I'd say that there are better ways to enjoy them. Read on...
Geoduck Clam Sashimi
Wei Wei serves up the entire clam in several ways. The majority of our clam was served as thinly sliced sashimi, arranged flower-like on a plate of ice. The flavor was as delicate as its appearance, slightly sweet. You could dip it in soy sauce and wasabi or enjoy it plain. The rest (we didn't ask too many questions) was served as deep-fried popcorn-sized nuggets.
Deep-fried Geoduck
Steamed Razor Clams
Geoduck isn't the only mollusk on the menu. We also tried steamed razor clams. The razor clams served up at Wei Wei are also known as Atlantic Jackknife Clams, found along the Eastern Atlantic coasts ranging from South Carolina to Canada. The meat has the expected texture of clam, but a sweet flavor that may remind you of lobster. Due to their delicate shells, they are difficult to harvest commercially and thus difficult to find at fish markets. They're also not common, even at high-quality Chinese restaurants. (Or cheap. But they are worth it.)
While you're there enjoying geoduck and razor clams, make sure to sample a noodle dish or two, and enjoy a cool bubble tea or bubble smoothie.
Wei Wei sells geoduck and razor clams at "market price". Geoducks are difficult to get, and Wei Wei insists that they be fresh for sashimi purposes, so call in advance to confirm the availbility of geoduck and razor clams. Bring friends to share. Our geoduck was plenty large enough for four people to enjoy their fill, and could have served even more. But don't worry; we finished it!
Wei Wei Noodles
1202 N. Reynolds Rd.
Toledo, OH 43615
419-531-1117
Very interesting. I remember hearing about these clams once, but I didn't realize there were so many ways to fix them.
Posted by: kalyn | March 18, 2006 at 09:07 AM
And I've heard of "geoduck" - a friend has the sig line of "Geoduck for Washington State Animal!" - but I never realized it was a clam!
Posted by: Tricia | March 18, 2006 at 01:06 PM
Time for a road trip!
Posted by: Bob | March 18, 2006 at 05:17 PM
i love razor clams.... there is a store near me that almost always has them
Posted by: Gustad Mody | March 23, 2006 at 03:31 PM
I grew up in the Toledo suburbs, eating very standard American chain-restaurant food, and I'm thrilled to hear about an exceptional restaurant in the area I can try when I visit! Thanks Kitchen Chick!
Posted by: Michelle | March 30, 2006 at 01:13 PM
Gooey-Duck is popular in the Coastal area of Washington State. Grind up the neck to the consistency of hamburger. Mix with equal parts crushed saltine crackers and an egg or two. Make patties and saute in olive oil and butter. Gently Saute the steaks lightly in olive oil and butter. Wonderful!
Posted by: Kea | April 10, 2006 at 06:09 PM
I would like to know to cook a king clam. THANK YOU Steve
Posted by: Steve Suss | October 16, 2006 at 08:20 PM
Steve, I've never cooked a clam myself. The best thing I can recommend is to talk to your fishmonger about cooking clams (assuming your local fishmonger is a good cook) and do a little online recipe research to find something that appeals to you and will work with king clams.
Posted by: Kitchen Chick | October 22, 2006 at 10:29 PM
I saw razor clams being sold at an Asian market on Washtenaw near my house one day. I was afraid to buy it not knowing it was clams and do not trust it. Some were broken and some was "feeling" its surrounding. Now I know what it is, I probably will buy some and make clam linguini or clam chowder or what ever fit my mood at that time.
Posted by: thu | October 23, 2006 at 09:52 AM
I commute to Toledo and I have been largely unimpressed with the restaurants. This gives me hope. I look forward to trying it out.
Posted by: JMC | January 13, 2007 at 05:29 PM
Is Wei Wei noodles open or are they closed for ever. I have $150 of gift certificate i need to spend there.
Posted by: | March 21, 2007 at 03:52 PM
I don't know -- I certainly hope they reopen, because we (and my parents) miss them. We'll post an update here when we know more.
Posted by: Joe, Kitchen Chick's Husband | March 22, 2007 at 11:24 AM
wei wei noodles is back in business! :)
Posted by: | May 03, 2007 at 03:08 PM
YES!!!!!!! Glad to hear it!
Posted by: Joe, Kitchen Chick's Husband | May 03, 2007 at 05:18 PM
I have been a regular at Wei Wei since they first opened, and I have to say it is one of my favorite places in Toledo to eat. Prices are great, and the service is wonderful too! I haven't had the Geoduck yet, but thier soups are a staple in my diet ;)
Posted by: Dean | June 24, 2007 at 05:06 PM
I love eating gooey ducks. My mother loves to make it with rice, tastes great! Though I do think you have to get used to the texture.
Geoducks are prized foods in food markets worldwide and are a highly valued fishery for the state (Puget Sound) , estimated at $40 million annually.
Check out geoduck for info.
Posted by: geoduck | September 04, 2007 at 09:33 PM
I had some razor clams. those were awesome. this is the place to be. the food is awesome! and anyone who goes there needs to have some bubble tea! its the best!
Posted by: Jurgon Fok | October 11, 2007 at 11:09 PM
No doubt, Wei Wei is the best Chinese restaurant in Toledo
Posted by: Raymond | April 03, 2008 at 07:45 PM
Raymond, did you hear that they just had a kitchen fire? http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080329/NEWS07/586009578 I hope they will be able to re-open, and soon!
Posted by: Kitchen Chick | April 07, 2008 at 10:17 PM