Monday, September 23, 2013

PF Chang's China Bistro


P.F. Chang's Offers 22 New Dishes, Repositions Itself as 'Pan-Asian'

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Last year, PF Chang's China Bistro-- one of America’s largest Chinese restaurant chains said to be frequented by Hollywood stars like John Travolta, Gwen Stefani, Justin Bieber, and Selena Gomez—opened its first Asian branch in Alabang Town Center.
   
It was a tricky move: to put up another Chinese restaurant in a country that’s already teeming with noodles and dim sum. But thankfully for P.F. Chang’s, their promise of a unique bistro experience and its no MSG, Vegetarian-friendly, and Gluten-free policy appealed to Filipinos. This early success prompted the brand to put up a second branch in Bonifacio Global City. A third one in Shangri-la Plaza is underway.


To spice things up, P.F. Chang’s recently overhauled their menu. They pulled out 19 plates and replaced them with 22 new dishes across the different categories. The highlight of the rollout: dim sum options. “We are always on the lookout for what our guests want. People were requesting dim sum, so we are giving them dim sum,” Angela Camins, P.F. Chang’s Operating Partner remarked. “We hope that with the addition of the new dim sum category on our menu plus the other new dishes, P.F. Chang’s will entice even more loyal guests. Many of our new items like dim sum come at a very attractive price point, even below P200,” added Archie Rodriguez, President and CEO of Global Restaurant Concepts, Inc.
Headlining the new dim sum menu is P.F. Chang’s version of the classic Chinese soup pork dumplings Xiao Long Bao (P125).
   
    Xiao Long Bao
   
Complemented with a ginger-flavored pot sticker sauce, the xiao long bao is pretty much standard fare, i.e., a classic recipe done right. Its skin, properly translucent and thin, departs the basket cleanly and holds well until it lands your mouth.   
The same can be said about Crystal Shrimp Dumplings (P165). Popularly called hakkao, the dumpling hides a plump shrimp, made tastier when dipped in soy.
Vegan or not, you might want to order P.F. Chang’s Vegetarian Dumplings (P165). For this healthy option, a sombrero-shaped spinach wrapper is used to encase tofu, shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, ginger, onions and rice noodles.
For something more unusual, try their Radish Shrimp Dumplings (P165), with tender shrimps and asparagus delicately topped with daikon coin, cilantro and tobiko caviar. Spice-lovers on the other hand might want to get these Flaming Red Wontons (P165), swimming in P.F. Chang’s signature fiery sauce of chilies and spices, then finished with scallions and sesame seeds.
   
    Radish Shrimp Dumplings
   
    Flaming Red Wontons
Outside the dim sum menu are more items worth trying. For appetizers, there’s Ahi Cucumber Salad (P365), a refreshing summer salad of smoky seared Ahi Tuna, cool cucumber slivers, roasted tomatoes, blanched asparagus, juicy peaches and dill herbs tossed in some sweet, creamy and tangy dressing.
   
    Ahi Cucumber Salad
P.F. Chang’s Tuna Tataki (P325) is a great option for small groups since it can be eaten pica- pica style. A serving will give you diced sushi-grade Tuna with refreshing cucumbers and crunchy sesame seeds seasoned with citrus soy sauce and served on top of Seared Ahi Tuna slices and crispy wonton disks.
And if again, if you prefer spicy flavors, get the Tofu Steak (P365) -- crispy breaded silken tofu slices with charred bell peppers, onions and savory Kung Pao sauce.
   
    Tofu Steak
End your meal with either Chang’s Apple Crunch (P295) – a crispy, wonton-like, dessert filled with tart Granny Smith apples, caramel sauce and served with vanilla ice cream or Choco Buchi (P155), a dressed up version of the traditional Chinese rice balls filled with homemade chocolate.
   
    Apple Crunch
Aside from the new items in the menu, P.F. Chang’s recently introduced half-portion option in their menu. “Now that we have half-portions, guests can try more dishes and flavors. This is great for families and couples who usually share food,” Angela explained. Regular order serves 3 to 4 people. A half portion, when ordered with other items, is enough for 1 to 2 guests. There are exceptions to this rule though. Take for example, this Grilled Angus Flank Steak (P995) that can easily feed a family of 3 to 4. This hefty plate of marinated sliced US Angus flank steak, grilled to perfection, is served with a sweet and savory side of grilled hoisin glazed peaches and Chinese eggplant. “This dish is almost complete. You’ve got your meat, your veggies, and even fruit since we included fresh peach. We want our guests to feel that they get what they pay for,” Angela concluded.
   
    Grilled Angus Flank Steak
The new menu is available in P.F. Chang’s Alabang Town Center and W Global Center, Bonifacio Global City. P.F. Chang’s is open from 11AM to 11PM from Sundays to Thursdays.  The restaurant opens from 11AM to 12MN on Fridays and Saturdays.

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P.F. Chang's

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