PF Chang's China Bistro (Palo Alto)

900 Stanford Shopping Center (650) 330-1782
www.pfchangs.com

L and K were nice enough to let us crash their date night, so W and I headed over to meet them at PF Chang's.

We decided to have a couple of drinks at the bar over a game of Left Right Center (thanks L, that was so much fun,) but when four spots opened up, thought we might as well have dinner there too. L and I tackled the menu and decided on the Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps appetizer, the Mongolian Beef, the Crisp Honey Shrimp and the Dan Dan noodles - all to share.

The lettuce wraps at PF Chang's are a signature and to this day, I haven't been anywhere that does them better. Definitely a must. We deployed a trick I was taught at the Corte Madera PF Chang's and asked to substitute the scallions for asparagus in the Mongolian Beef. I've always loved the caramel-y sweetness of the Mongolian Beef at PF Chang's and with the asparagus sub, everyone agreed that it was a hit. The shrimp was crisped to perfection without a trace of greasiness and was glazed in the requisite hint of honey. We thought it odd that the menu doesn't really tell you what the Dan Dan noodles are, but W's a fan, so we ordered them. It turns out the noodles are egg-based flat noodles, with just the right amount of chewiness, tossed in a gravy sauce with ground chicken. Very simple but very good. Authentic it's not, but for me, this meal was perfect.

By the way, as I was perusing the PF Chang's Web site, I came across a menu called Chang's for Two - which includes two cups of soup, an app, two entrees and two mini desserts for 40 bucks. I'd say PF Chang's is a pretty good deal to begin with, but this is definitely worth checking out: http://www.pfchangs.com/pdfs/ChangsFor2Menu_Jan09.pdf

I will maintain that when it comes to PF Chang's, it's all about which one you go to. PA , Corte Madera and La Jolla? Yum. P-town and Sunnyvale, not so much.

The Verdict: Worth It At the Right Location