Sunday, July 31, 2011

P.F. Chang's China Bistro


For a quick American Chinese meal of orange chicken, you cannot beat the frozen variety by P.F.Chang in the supermarket freezer.

It's always good and cheaper than eating out. 

However, whenever travels take us to Albany, New York, and we have a yen for  American Chinese food,  it's a sure bet we are going to go to P.F. Chang's China Bistro.


First of all, the gargantuan horses out in front of the restaurant are great for photo shoots.  I like to go just to look at them!

Whether they are meant to resemble terracotta horses at the tomb of the First Emperor of China, I don't really know. But they are amazing pieces of sculpture and give the place a look of real elegance.




 Inside, there's a very nice decor, too. Overhead lights are very attractive and the food is pretty good.  I wouldn't give it an "A" rating but their lettuce wraps are tasty and the egg rolls are good dipped in the restaurant's signature sauce.


























I like my  hot and sour soup very hot and when it came barely warm, I asked the waiter to pop it back in the micro.  Twice. He was very accommodating but the soup did not make it to the top of the list for that kind of soup. To tell you the truth, I've had much better in other restaurants. Sorry P.F. and Chang.






The origin of P.F. Chang's in 1993 is Scottsdale, Arizona.  Headquarters are now in Phoenix.  According to Wikipedia, the restaurant chain was founded by Paul Fleming and Philip Chiang.  Thus, the P.F. are the initial's to Fleming's name and Chang is a variation of Chiang's name. 



In 2010, according to the Wikipedia, there were 200 P.F. Chang's China Bistros operating in the United States,  and of all places, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates,  Kuwait City, and Mexico.

One unique aspect of the restaurants is that they offer gluten-free dishes.

I like the fortune cookies served at the end of one's meal, mainly, because it's fun to read the little strip of paper with a fortune on it. This last time, this is what mine read:



It'll probably be awhile before I make it to Albany again so it's back to the frozen variety in the supermarket. That suits me just fine.




By the way, are you convinced by now that I am fascinated with taking pictures of the big "hossies?"

HAVE YOU EATEN AT A P.F. CHANG'S CHINA BISTRO?


9 comments:

Connie Keller said...

I ate at a PF Changs when it first opened in our town. It was crazy busy, but the food and service were good. And you gotta love the horse.

mo said...

Hi Susan,

Your pictures are amazing.

I love PF Changs. I did not know they originated here.

I suppose we have gone to the original one many times.

Now I think they moved the location to another spot across from the Mall.

I love the frozen beef and broccoli from the supermarket.

It is quick and delicious.

I'll have to try the orange chicken.

I love your fortune!

*hugs*

mo

BECKY said...

Hi Susan! I've eaten at a P.F. Changs a couple of times, and felt pretty much the same as you. It was OK, but no big deal in my opinion. I love the horse, too! Especially that last photo....He looks like he's looking down at everyone, smiling and getting ready to wink! :)

Mariette's Back to Basics said...

Dearest Susan,

No, I've never eaten at this restaurant chain...
Have a great Sunday!

Mariette

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hey Susan! We now have two PF's and I've never been disappointed with their food. My oldest son loves going there too and has been more times with his friends than with his family. :) In the original one in the mall, they used to have the big horses outside but then someone complained saying that it represented Buddhism or something silly like that, so the restaurant had to replace them with some sort of tree as their emblem. Crazy! My favorite starter is the vege lettuce wraps. And as a main dish, the coconut curry vegetables. I always order brown rice. The kids love the dynamite shrimp. Last time we went with a friend from Spain and ordered the crab wontons which were tasty. Like I said, I've not been disappointed -- but I'm only ordering veges or seafood. We don't often have leftovers to take home as we usually finish everything at the table. :) Sounds like you had a nice outing to visit the poet's home. I look forward to that post. Best wishes, Tammy

Chatty Crone said...

I have eaten there Susan - many times - and bought it at the grocery store - and bought it for take out.

Andy is such a picky eater - but he loves the kids chicken!

Your pictures are awesome as usual.

Happy Sunday.

diane stetson said...

We have one in the mall five minutes from me...but they are expensive compared to the local Chinese restaurant.Sometimes I get gift certificates there. I LOVE Chinese food and do buy their frozen meals too. Yummy!

Lydia Kang said...

I dined there way back when it first came out. There's one in my town but to be honest, we don't eat out very much anymore...
I always liked that horse sculpture!

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

Sounds and looks like a great place, and one that I'd definitely dine at if the opportunity arises! Thanks for a great review!

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