P.F. Chang’s: home to perfect chopstick cuisine

Lina Duchene

P.F. Chang’s east side location at 8889 Gateway Blvd W.

Lina Duchene, Editor-in-chief

Delicious food is only a fraction of a dining experience. The rest comes from service and pricing, but only the finest establishments encompass the special element of ambience.

P.F. Chang’s produces quality Asian cuisine with a mature and sophisticated vibe. The restaurant’s moody, low lighting elaborately greets its guests — a drastic change in setting from what lies only a couple of feet outside of its doors.

The seating in the restaurant is a bit too close for comfort to surrounding tables but the food and drinks compensate for the tight space. The Strawberry Cucumber Limeade is the perfect drink to start out the dining experience at Chang’s. The light pink-colored beverage is beautifully presented with fresh strawberries and small, diced cucumbers and wonderfully balances sweet, sour and refreshing flavors. The aesthetically pleasing presentation and the delicious taste is well worth the $3.95. The price should not deter one from indulging in this fan favorite.

In addition to the fabulous drinks are the delicious entrees that contribute to the pleasurable experience at P.F. Chang’s. There is a dish for every taste bud’s desire. Chang’s Spicy Chicken is the perfect dish for one who wants a bit of intensity to their meal. Paired with steamed rice, the sauce that coats the chicken provides the perfect amount of kick and spice.

The Orange Peel Chicken is a tangy dish that can be served with steamed or brown rice. Garnished with mandarin oranges, the meal has a fine presentation overall and a fresh taste that most other Asian restaurants do not provide simultaneously.

On top of rice dishes are the noodle bowls that are just as satisfying and appetizing. The Hokkien Street Noodles is composed of thin rice noodles, along with an assortment of fresh veggies and a curry sauce that is fresh and savory. The texture of the soft noodles and the crunchy vegetables make a wonderful pair.

To conclude the experience at P.F. Chang’s, one must indulge in dessert. The New York-Style Cheesecake is a simple, yet satisfying treat with its light texture coated in a graham cracker crust, topped with fresh berries.

If one is looking for a special place to celebrate a special occasion, P.F. Chang’s is the restaurant to do so. The experience one will have at Chang’s is one that is rare to find at a reasonable price.  At P.F. Chang’s luxury dining, delicious tasting food and fine presentation are all equally present, leaving the customer and their wallet satisfied.