Me, The Food Critic

Not that I'm running out of things to say but there are a lot of post that I want to save for the end of the school year and have been drafting these past few nights. For now though I wanted to share with you some of the writing I have done in my Advanced Composition that I particularly liked/enjoyed writing. 

This was one of the bi-weekly we had in Ms. Pizzazz's class. It's basically a restaurant review which I did of a very yummy restaurant, P.F. Changs. I really liked how I got to inject as many adjectives into this piece as possible. It was also a great excuse to go out to eat ;) Sadly the stars that I had at the bottom don't want to show up so I'll have to rate it using a 5-point scale.

P.F. Chang’s Asian Bistro

1716 International Dr McLean, VA 22102 - (703) 734-8996

March 8^th, 2011

Located in the upscale Tysons Galleria, P.F. Chang’s is a delicious Asian bistro founded by American Chinese chefs. It is a very popular restaurant, however, with a “no reservations” allowed policy wait times typically range from 15 minutes to an hour. Stepping into the restaurant will transport you to a semi-dark haven with large box lanterns that seem to float above you while giving off a dim glow. The boisterous noise level results in a warm atmosphere that is relaxing.

A polite hostess will deftly weave through all the tables sprawled about to seat you. The menu has a wide range of options ranging from Seared Ahi Tuna to Pepper Steak to “The Great Wall of Chocolate”. A kid’s menu is also included for those that bring the entire family. The most notable part of the menu must be the multifarious gluten-free menu which is aimed towards its clients with gluten intolerance. The variety of vegetarian dishes however, is somewhat lacking compared to all of the other carnivorous options.

Most tables, if not all, start out with the crispy Chicken Lettuce Wraps. A delicious mixture of spiced chicken, chopped onions, a bit of mushrooms and water chestnuts, which add a satisfying crunch, are all enfolded in a leaf of iceberg lettuce. Customers can also add the savory signature sauce that waiters make while taking orders. The crab wontons also deserve an honorable mention with their fiery plum sauce on the side.

While most of the items on the menu can be found in a local Chinese restaurant, P.F. Chang’s has several original dishes such as the Chang’s Lemon Scallops. These small, quick fired scallops are glazed in a scrumptious lemon sauce that isn’t too powerful. The Sesame Chicken is also gratifying with fresh red bell peppers, broccoli and onions all covered in a spicy sesame sauce. Most of the other dishes are pretty good but not all of them are superstars.

To end the meal with dessert, the Banana Spring Rolls are a must. The warm and flaky spring roll is paired with a tropical flavored coconut and pineapple ice cream, drizzled in a sweet vanilla and caramel sauce. Or, if belts are too tight, there are little “Mini” desserts which are small glasses filled with layers of the chosen dessert (such as the Triple Chocolate Mousse, yum!) P.F. Chang’s is sure to be a hit with the family or for a date.

--By André Sanabia

FOOD: 4/5

SERVICE: 3/5

ATMOSPEHERE: 5/5

PRICE: 4/5

OVERALL EXPERIENCE: 4/5