Tea and Tiramisu at PF Chang’s China Bistro in Austin

Even though my friends have been raving about the food at PF Chang’s for years, I have been hesitant to go there because of it being a chain restaurant. This week I happened to be downtown for a trade fair with a co-worker and we decided to treat ourselves by enjoying lunch at the location near the Convention Center. Indeed, it was a treat! I thoroughly enjoyed the experience — from the first sip of the warm fragrant tea to the last bite of fluffy tiramisu.

Tea

The White Tangerine tea was served in a heavy metal pot. Ann ordered the Dragon Eye Oolong tea, which she said a waiter once told her is Revolution brand tea. Both teas were light and fragrant.

Appetizer

The tender Seared Ahi Tuna appetizer was served with a delicious peanut sauce, lettuce and cucumbers.

Main Course

The waitress was helpful and had lots of suggestions for my first visit to PF Chang. I finally decided to try the Kung Pao Shrimp. The shrimp was tender and the sauce was not overly spicy. Dipped in potato starch before being cooked gave the shrimp a thin and crispy coating. Very delicious.

Ann had the spicy Beef a la Sichuan, which consisted of thinly sliced beef mixed with julienned vegetables. The vegetables were fresh and not overcooked.

Dessert

I was full, but not too full, to try one of the mini desserts. I wish I had written down the eight mini dessert choices. The only ones I can remember are tiramisu, red velvet cake with cream cheese icing and the mini great wall of chocolate. I opted for tiramisu. It was just enough to give me a sweet ending to a wonderful meal.

PF Chang’s is vegetarian friendly with main dishes such as stir-fried eggplant, coconut curry vegetables and Ma Po Tofu.