P.F. Changs (a first visit)

mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food.  Kirk is out and about and taking a short vacation.  Cathy is writing about a meal.  

Yep, this is another Gift Card post.  I don't regift and have friends who sincerely want The Mister and I to try some of their favorite places; we have never been to P.F. Changs and were in Mission Valley on a beautiful, clear day and I had the Gift Card in my pocket. The surreal Las Vegas casino-like giant horses out front of each location of this Asian themed, casual chain restaurant greet you.

Along with a tastefully decorated interior. 
A pot of (caffeinated) ginger-peach tea was ordered ($3.75).  It's by Republic of Tea and very similar to the Plantation Peach tea I usually buy from the Charleston Tea Plantation (the only tea grown in America). I must have hot tea with Asian meals.
As we were being seated, we noticed that every table had this: the first choice at the top left of the menu (under "Street Fare").  So, we had to.  Lettuce Wraps (chicken or tofu; we chose chicken) $11.50.  A 'secret family recipe', 'signature dish', the do-it-yourself  slightly sweet, slightly spicy chopped melange of chicken, water chestnuts, green onion, crisp noodles and chilled iceberg lettuce with a bit more of the sauce was delicious.
Also from the 'Street Fare' section: Tempura Shrimp and Vegetables ($11.95).  Lightly battered plump, sweet shrimp, bell peppers spinach and carrots served with a Sriracha/sweet aioli.  This was also quite good.  
From the 'Lunch' section of the menu, we decided to share the Chiang Mai Noodle Bowl ($11.95).  Egg noodles and marinated chicken in a coconut curry broth, some crispy wonton strips with fresh grape tomatoes and flat leaf parsley.  Once all mixed, this was also a great mix of flavor and texture.  Quite satisfying.
We still have more than $50 left on the gift card.  It's good food and there is much more to try. 

P.F. Changs 7077 Friars Road San Diego 92108 website Open daily 11-11

Comments

[caninecologne]

that was a generous gift card if there is $50+ remaining! the lettuce wraps are pretty popular there. hopefully it wasn't too salty.

[Cathy]

Yes, it was, cc; we also have $100 for Cheesecake Factory, another place never ventured...we will be at Fashion Valley Mall a lot in the near future. The lettuce wraps were a good meal- not too salty and not too sweet. Looking forward to trying more appetizers.

[Soo]

I visit once in awhile for fried rice or lo mein. If I want lettuce wraps they have them on special for happy hour. :-)

[Cathy]

Oooh- I didn't realize there was a Happy Hour; that will make the gift card go father. Thanks for the recommendations, Soo.

[dancing]

I always avoided that place (not sure why) until I also got a gift card. I used my gift card on the Chilean Sea Bass (which I got to go) and it was REALLY good (pricey but that's what gift cards are for, right?)! Looks like you already got some yummy items on your first visit. Thanks for posting... I will have to give some of those a try some day if I find myself at PFC's again (or with another gift card)! =)

[kat]

your meal looks great & thanks for reminding me that it’s been awhile since making those lettuce wraps, will make some when the weather warms up:)

[Cathy]

It's good to try things for yourself and not pay attention to the naysayers, Dancing. I will admit it was the Gift Card that got us in here, but after this visit and looking at more of the menu (and learning there is a Happy Hour) makes PFChangs a good, centrally located choice for a nice meal or snack.
It was a great meal, Kat. Lettuce wraps/non-carb items are sort of a holdover from another New Year Resolution and the version here was really good. At home meals will utilize a lot to lettuce this year for us, too.