P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
Several locations in the US
7135 East Camelback Road (Location visited)
Scottsdale, AZ
Before I continue with this post, an apology: The pictures from this post are below average due to poor light conditions. I would have used my Speedlight… Had I brought it with me to Scottsdale (on that note, despite I have several lenses, my “default” lens is the 35mm). And now, to the post.
One night during my trip to Scottsdale, after leaving my customer’s office, I had to answer some emails and did not go out for dinner until almost 9:00 p.m. I felt I had to take a walk before eating to unwind myself. After a walk to the near mall (Scottsdale Fashion Square, which per square metre rivals our Metropolis at Metrotown). Despite there were restaurants there (which I would end up going to with my clients for dinner on another night), I did not feel like having food there. On my way back to the hotel, I spotted P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. I will admit it was a small moment of mental lapse (or was it hunger?) and chose to go to there…
When I walked in, I partially wished to turn around and go somewhere else. Heck, even a MickeyD’s would have worked (which, oddly, I did not see a single one during the whole trip!). Why that feeling? Well, it just happened it was Monday and they had some TVs showing Monday Night Football. That is not a problem if the TV is for customers, right? However, the maître d’ seemed more interested in the game than customers walking in and it was somebody who seemed to be working in the back of the house who greeted me and guided me to a table (actually, I was given the option to sit anywhere). Being a person who does not put much emphasis on service, when I have to make mention of this means things didn’t look good…
Did I make mention of it being empty that night?
Did I mention anything about bad light conditions???
After being seated, a waiter then gave me the menu. Looking through it, that “I want out of here” feeling kicked in again. Now, I knew the food wasn’t authentic Chinese but I wasn’t particularly impressed either with the options. It just felt like a mix and match of ingredients with some Chinese naming ingredients (well, some ingredients are actually Chinese, like hoisin sauce). I know, I know, it is a Chinese American restaurant just that it did not inspire me. I mean, take for example their VIP Duck: A tender half duck served Cantonese-style and glazed with a sweet soy plum sauce. Served with flatbreads, scallions and cucumbers. While I am all in for duck meat, I did not feel like I wanted to order it. But, I was there and was hungry…
In the end, I choose to order their Chengdu Spiced Lamb: “Richly spiced marinated lamb, wok-caramelized then tossed with cumin, mint, tomatoes and yellow onions”. I had to option of rice and went for brown rice. Also, as sides, I ordered Shanghai cucumbers and wok-seared mushrooms. The cucumbers were OK – the “crunch”/”bite” was almost completely lost – almost. But, past there, it was unidimensional. The mushrooms worked slightly better: two type of mushrooms (button and what seemed to be shiitake) were cooked correctly while still maintaining its identity (i.e., it still had some “bite” to it). However, even taking the umami characteristics in mind, I found it was too “salty”. As for the lamb, I found several flaws. On one side, I thought it was overdone (i.e., cooked almost well done). The cumin was an odd addition and I thought it overwhelmed/masked any lamb flavours (it was too light to begin with – I prefer the lamb to be on the game-y side). And, similar to the mushrooms, I felt it was too salty…
If you decide to buy a lotto ticket and you win, I will take the credit for the numbers and require a 10% “commission”!
Overall, I must say it confirmed what I suspected the whole time: it is not for me. It does not really help the fact there are so many Chinese restaurants here in Vancouver. Heck, I would rather go to Kent’s Kitchen or drive to Richmond for “Chinese” food than P.F. Chang’s. That gives you an idea of up to what extent I am willing to go… Still, I know there are people who like P.F. Chang’s because that is their concept of Chinese food/restaurants. But, in my case, no…
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Admittedly, when we were there, Viv and I almost dined here as well. Luckily we kept going and went to the nearby Claim Jumper instead (not sure if that was a good idea as well, too much food). Well, I guess PFC is what it is and it really isn’t for us…
I’m pretty sure I picked up some PFC when I was in Houston a few years back, but remember nothing exciting (in any way) about the food.
If I won the lotto off those numbers Kim, there would be an epic food adventure indeed! You’d have to pack those bags. Heck, I’d probably get Sherman to come, just to see what kind of professional-eating his stomach could handle
Sherman, I think you best described it: PF Chang’s – not necessarily for Chinese food bloggers from Vancouver!
Raidar, I guess I am not the only person who did not get a lasting impressionf it… But, then again, probably we are not their target population.
I have a client travel with me to China. Does not like chinese food. Fried rice maybe, but for the rest of the trip…..Pizza Hut and hotel buffets.
Same client comes with me to Las Vegas, first lunch request? PF Changs.
What can I say?
I’ve been always hesitate to try this restaurant…there’s so many in the states you think it must be kind of good…? I guess not!
Being Chinese and from Vancouver – I’m on the same page as you.
It reminds me of Azia on Burrard and Smithe..fancy plated Chinese food for Westerners…that’s overpriced.
Peter, I won’t completely blame your client. There is that possibility he/she is used to American Chinese rather than pure Chinese food. But, in the end, it is such a waste…
Mijune, never felt I should go/have gone to Azia.But, yes, agreed, with our background, not sure if fancy plated dishes for Westeners would suit us.
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