Saturday, September 26, 2009

P.F. Chang's (Northlake)

I have an obsession. It's not my fault though. It's really an addiction. So, it's completely beyond my power to resist. I might as well admit it.....

I'm completely and totally enamoured with P.F. Chang's Great Wall of Chocolate.

My wife and I recently decided to visit P.F. Chang's on our way back from the airport. It was convenient, familiar, and it had been over a year since we last visited.

We walked in and were greeted by a rather snarky hostess -- who greeted the people waiting behind us in line, and seemed determined to ignore us for as long as possible. (I don't know what we did to receive this attitude, we were friendly, smiling, and initially were in a good mood!) She eventually got around to us, and informed us we'd have to wait for a table. We turned around to sit in the lobby, and I noticed something strange -- there were MANY open tables. I was REALLY starting to dislike the hostess.

After a 7 minute wait we were seated by someone else. Out waitress promptly appeared, and asked for our drink order. Fortunately, we already knew what we were having. So we gave her our food order instead: Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Mongolian Beef. It just so happens that these dishes are the exactly right portion sizes for us to share.

(As a side note, I hate doing this to the waiter and waitress. No drink order, and sharing the entree means that their tip will be less. SORRY to all of our future and past P.F. Chang's serving staff!)

As we sat there waiting for our food, I looked around. I LOVE the decor of this place. The stone facade, the warm colors, and dark woods REALLY give this place a relaxed vibe.

Our Chicken Lettuce Wraps appetizer arrived quickly. It really is one of my favorite appetizers. The chicken, mixed with mushrooms, water cress, and an assortment of other goodies is simply amazing. Here's the one thing you need to know about it. I HATE mushrooms, but this appetizer has it, and I don't care. 'Nuff said.

Next came our entree. The Mongolian Beef. These thin strips of steak cooked with scallions and garlic, in a brown soy-based sauce is amazing. I'm guessing the sauce has some soy, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, red peppers, and rice vinegar We learned about this entree several years ago, when my wife tied another entree she wasn't happy with. The waiter said, "Let me bring you something I guarantee you'll like." We liked it so much, that is now the only entree we order when we dine at P.F. Changs together.

After we ravenously inhaled quietly enjoyed the entree, we decided that we still had room for coffee and dessert. To be honest as you probably guessed, there was only one dessert that crossed our minds: The Great Wall of Chocolate.

This thing is a chocoholic's dream come true. About seven layers of chocolate cake, with chocolate icing, and the exterior side of this cake have have chocolate chips pressed into the icing. Heck, I'm almost experiencing a diabetic coma just thinking about it! The cake is served with fruit (blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries) and a raspberry puree.... if there's one thing I love in life it's chocolate with raspberry puree!

Really, aside from the hostess who seemed determined to ignore us, this was a great time. Though I hate to recommend chain restaurants -- this one is worth recommending.

Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 12/15

Price: $$ (Would be more expensive if we hadn't shared the appetizer, entree, an dessert)
Kid Friendly: Yes

Conclusion: The asian fusion style to this food is hard to resist. I've always enjoyed my food here, non-traditional asian, but it's great!

Restaurant Info:
P.F. Changs
10325 Perimeter Parkway
Charlotte, NC
p) 704-598-1927
http://www.pfchangs.com

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