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| - From opening night at Fashion Square Mall, I have always loved PF Chang's. Yep I was There on the 1st night of operation at Unit 1, for this now mega chain.
For years PF Chang's remained an exciting destination to dine, I remember the crowds and the throngs of ever present managers and chefs working hard and diligent to keep things humming and on point.
Even as the chain grew there was still plenty of excitement in other cities across america. Replication was working and millions of Americans were introduced to skillfully prepared Chinese dishes.
Last week I returned and was dining alone on a mid week night around 7 pm. I knew when entering that the magic has gone, as the restaurant was merely at about 15-20% capacity. and a completely empty bar.
Welcomes and seating was swift so why complain, I'm not. Service was swift and pleasant. and the food was... Well the food has changed. One of my lifetime favorite restaurant appetizers has been rethought and er... remastered. The Chicken lettuce wraps tasted fine, as a mater of fact they tasted just like every other restaurants that strive to duplicate this appetizer. Diced chicken, not ground and the mushrooms although present they are now flavorless, The crispy white noodle could fit in a small childs hand, Then the Lettuce cups Hmmmn the care on serving 5 perfect cups in the past, well I got some lettuce. Then there was the sauce on the side you remember the soy, sambal and vinegar you composed at the table well that doesn't happen anymore. Its pre-made and in a little cup. take it or leave it as my server had no idea what I was talking about.
I also ordered some chicken egg rolls, what the heck? these would have never made the original menu. They arrived hot and crisp on a small side plate with sauce, but no garnish, and worst yet they were cut in half ?!?!? but why?!?!?! why cut an eggroll??? perceived value?!?!
I passed on the dessert mini's. I didn't have the heart to eat from a shot glass.
Gotta do what you gotta do, but with a dining room at 20 percent at 7 pm What did you Do?!?!?!
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