By: Mark Kent
Boca Raton ‘s P.F. Chang’s has, since 2001, been a favorite fine Chinese eatery due to the consistent high quality and superior service.
This reviewer, together with foodies Carlene and Steve, sampled some twenty offerings – large portions at reasonable pricing.
We enjoyed typical Chinese soups – the egg drop was quite rich with full flavor, the wonton light and tasty with bits of vegetables and two plump wontons. Three other soups are available as well.
Spring rolls, two or four to a portion, were crispy and chock full of minced vegetables. The egg rolls were soft shelled with pork and vegetables – both with sweet and sour dipping sauces and both delicious. Other starters included Chang’s famous chicken or vegetable lettuce wraps as well as crispy crab wontons or dumplings featuring pork or lemongrass chicken or shrimp or vegetables – any and all available fried or steamed. We had the pork fried and then shrimp steamed – both fine texture and full of flavor. We sampled green beans, lightly battered and crispy. Pay attention to their dipping sauce – it is very, very spicy! The dynamite shrimp was very spicy as well- presented in an overgrown martini glass – very pretty! Ahi tuna, calamari and spare ribs are part of the “Starters collection”.
We opt to forgo any of the five salads offered to try the Chinese spice duo of duck, slow cooked leg plus crispy breast – this then sliced and superior with a cherry/ginger chutney…don’t miss this one. There are 12 chicken dishes on the menu. We had a fine tasting sweet and sour chicken, stir fried with pineapple, bell peppers and onions.
Eleven items listed as “Beef, Pork and Lamb”, included mu shu pork – shards of pork, egg, mushroom and scallions with hoisin sauce within a warm Chinese pancake – a fine, filling dish. Flank steak, wok cooked, with scallions and garlic is called Mongolian beef and is recommended.
We found the “Seafood” choices to include six fish and eight shrimp dishes – we had shrimp with candied walnuts and honeydew melon balls in a magnificent cream sauce…a winner!
From the menu we chose P.F. Chang’s fried rice – wok fried with egg, soy, carrots, bean sprouts and scallions. This available with a choice of beef, pork, chicken or shrimp, whichever you select. This is superior fried rice, highly recommended. One may also find crab fried rice, lo mein and four noodle varieties here. Five vegetarian plates are available as are seven side dishes of green vegetable variations.
The desserts are unusual for a Chinese restaurant but were very welcomed. Don’t miss the crispy warm banana spring roll with toasted coconut/ pineapple ice cream and fresh berries. A large portion of cheesecake may be had as well. Eight mini desserts – double shot glasses filled with carrot cake or apple tart or lemon dream or great wall of chocolate – named offerings – are a sweet ending to a fine dining experience.
Please note that Chang’s has a full gluten-free menu, a four course prix fixe menu and a children’s menu. A full bar offers 14 specialty cocktails, 19 beers (foreign and domestic) plus 3 non-alcoholic drinks, 6 sake selections plus over 50 wines by the 7 ounce glass or the half glass.
P.F.Chang’s China Bistro is located at 1400 Glades Road in Boca Raton (561-393-3722) and is open for lunch and dinner 7 days – 11AM to 11PM Sundays through Thursdays, till midnight on Friday and Saturdays. Seating 250 inside plus 30 outside, this bustling bistro is extremely well staffed for excellence in service. Our manager – Jonathan Biaylor and server Jennifer Schwartzman were attentive to our needs for our two hour plus review. This bistro, part of a nationwide chain, is above par…we suggest that you…Go and Enjoy!