Restaurant Review – P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
What I love is when a recommended restaurant lives up to the recommendation. I’ve been hearing about P.F. Chang’s China Bistro for a while now…in t.v. shows, from friends, from family. The nearest location to home is well over two hours away. So, on a recent trip to Phoenix, I was happy to finally have a meal at P.F. Chang’s. We visited the mothership location in Scottsdale, and there was nothing disappointing about the experience.
Our meal started with the very popular Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Then, we sampled two meals served family style with white or brown rice. The two entrees were Chang’s Spicy Chicken (P.F. Chang’s take on General Tso’s Chicken) and Orange Peel Chicken. Both were spiced to both our tastes and there was adequate not only for dinner but for lunch the following day! Delicious meal. Two thumbs up for both entrees AND the lettuce wraps!
Of note is the large number of gluten free items on the menu, including a recently added gluten free beer. Service is spectacular. Ambience is warm.
Visit P.F. Chang’s website to find locations, see the menu, make reservations, order take-out, see the new line of P.F Chang entrees in your grocery’s freezer section.
Photo credit: wolfgrins
Texas Roadhouse
As a rule, I don’t tout chain restaurants. There’s too much room for inconsistency from store to store. I believe I’ve found an exception. I recently had the opportunity to dine at Texas Roadhouse in two different states. The quality was consistent. It was fun…unlimited peanuts in the shell and an invite to drop those shells to the floor (warning to those with peanut allergies). The food was fresh and delish — I had pulled pork once and a remarkably tender and perfectly prepared sirloin on the other occasion. The service was great — friendly, attentive wait staff, and a quality check at the end of the meal.
Above and beyond the dining amenities, a notable plus for the budget wise is the list of 10 meals offered for 7.99 during the week for early diners. Hours vary by location.
All-in-all Texas Roadhouse is an enjoyable dining experience. I have no complaints and look forward to my next visit, no matter where I may be.
Photo credit: BKM_BR
Restaurant Review: Yoder’s in Sarasota
Recently, my sister and I went to Florida to celebrate her birthday. We have a 92-year-old uncle who lives there, and any trip to Florida includes a visit to Uncle Frank. Similarly, any visit with Uncle Frank includes a meal out. This time was no different. I did not know there was a robust Amish community in Sarasota, but there is. Having grown up in Northeastern Ohio, I know a little something about Amish. I know they know how to cook!
After dinner at the nearby Dutch Heritage House, we went down the street to Yoder’s and waited in line for the opportunity to indulge in a piece of Yoder’s pie. It was worth the wait. Regina and I split a piece of chocolate pecan pie. It was amazing, and one piece was adequate for the both of us, because the slice was huge! I’ll bet they don’t get more than five pieces out of one pie.
Dessert isn’t the only thing on the menu at Yoder’s, but if dessert is on your mind and you’re in Sarasota, don’t take that appetite anywhere else.
Photo credit: TheSeafarer
Restaurant Review: Cactus Café in Cumbaya, Ecuador
Just outside of Quito in the suburb of Cumbaya is a quaint and welcoming restaurant called the Cactus Café. We had a chance to try out the menu on recent trip there. Read on to find out about our experience and reactions. Read more
