Who’s the Lucky Duck?

The city of Clawson has added another eatery to its repertoire of unique and independently-owned dining establishments. Lucky Duck is owned by Chef Grant Vella, who was classically trained in the culinary arts at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Vella was born in Korea, adopted, and raised in Troy, Michigan. After spending time in NYC, he knew that eventually he would come home and open his own restaurant in Michigan. His search led him to look at over 100 properties throughout metro Detroit before landing on a location in the heart of Clawson at 14 and Main. The building has undergone a total transformation inside and out. The interior design aesthetic is modern minimalist and utilizes black, white and wood tones. A large statement mural of cherry blossoms adorns an entire wall. The Asian small plates restaurant, which opened November 16, has seating for 55 with room for 12 more at the bar. There are plans to add a “soju garden patio” next spring, which will bring seating for an additional 40 on the back patio and 32 in the front. Vella notes his small plate menu is one long list of shareable plates with the smallest plates at the top and the largest at the bottom. “To me, Asian cuisine means a dish for everyone to share,” claims Vella. Lucky Duck is located at 38 S. Main Street, Clawson.