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P.F. Chang’s a delicious escape from the norm
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Idaho’s beautiful capital city has many great activities and places which provide an escape from the summer heat, or simply relax after a long day at work. From clubs to movie theaters, museums to restaurants, there’s a place or activity for almost everyone in Boise. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro downtown in the 8th Street Marketplace is a good example of what this city has to offer. P.F. Chang’s is located at 391 South 8th Street. Check them out at pfchangs.com or make a reservation over the phone at 342-8100.
The national chain of popular china bistros has restaurants across the country in more than 40 states. Luckily for Idaho, P.F. Chang’s is here too. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is relaxed and inviting despite the large crowds conversing throughout. A full restaurant is usually a telltale sign of great food and excellent service. The seating is prompt, and soon the waiter brings the menus and inquires about beverages. The wine list is colorful, offering selectionst that vary from White Zinfandel to Merlot.
White wine flavors range from sparkling, sweet, and light to full. Red wines also range from light to full. Although wine paired with the popular Chang’s Chicken in lettuce wraps is probably excellent, a Dr. Pepper is ordered and the Pan -Fried Peking dumplings are added to the tab.
The entrees at P.F. Chang’s vary in style and price. The soup and salad menu includes Pin Rice soup, Wanton Soup, and Hot and Sour Soup. Salads with salmon, oriental chicken, peanut chicken, and warm duck spinach taunt the
The waiter informs us that all dishes at P.F. Chang’s are served family style so that food can be shared and different foods can be sampled. The wide range of items offered on the menu are categorized according to traditional favorites, vegetarian plates, chicken and duck, seafood, meat, noodles meins and rice, and desserts.
The menu offers dishes suck as Chicken lo Mein, Buddha’s Feast, Shanghai Cucumbers, Cantonese Roasted Duck, Orange Peel Chicken, Wild Alaskan Salmon with Lemon Pepper, Kung Pao Shrimp, Mongolian Beef, Wok Seared Lamb, and Chow Mein Pork.
The Wok Seared Lamb with white rice, and Crispy Honey Chicken with brown rice is ordered with a side of Szechuan Asparagus. Within minutes, the waiter comes to the table with a little plate on his arm.
On the plate are three different sauces and some oils. He offers to mix up some sauces for us. He adds some hot mustard, white rice vinegar and a few other sauces together creating a spicy dipping sauce.
Peking dumplings arrive on a plate which are dipped into the sauce on the table and eaten. The dumplings are delicious and fresh with perfect amounts of meat and veggies in every bite.
The main meals arrive and the smell of Wok Seared Lamb fills the air.
It takes effort to pay the bill and leave the restaurant after such a huge meal.
The good news? The cuisine and service offered at P.F. Chang’s are excellent. Lunches usually don’t cost $40, however with two entrees, a beverage, an appetizer, a side dish, and a dessert it was well spent.
This is one of the best restaurants in Boise. If there’s a long line at the door, know that it’s a good sign and that the food is well worth the wait.
Lindsey Parker
Culture Writer
