06/07/09

Has an allergic reaction here

by ChrisBright

I'm allergic to peanuts and although there were not nuts in my lo-mein, it soon became evident that they didn't clean the Wok well enough berfore cooking my dish. It was a mild reaction, but had it been someone else, they could have died.

• Pros: Good Food
• Cons: Don't speak very good English

05/24/09

Very Bad Experience

by daviemc

Stopped in on a Sunday at 5:30pm. One other party in the whole restaurant. 20 minutes after ordering still no appetizer or refills on drinks. Wait staff standing at the bar chatting among themselves. Got up and walked to door. Girl at cash register talking on phone while I stood there. Still no response. I had to interrupt her and tell her the service was slow and unacceptable. Only reply was "sorry". My dining companion and I then left.

I stopped there on the recommendation of a friend. However, judging by other reviews posted my experience was not unique.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Poor Service

09/26/08

How good is it? This is where the Chinese go to eat great Chinese food.

by PolicyAnalyst

If you want good ethnic food, find out where they eat. Panda Inn is popular with local Chinese, and for good reason. The trick for Americans is to know what to order. First, ask for the Chinese menu - otherwise you will get the lame "americanized" standards (General Tso's, Sweet&Sour Pork, Orange Shrimp, etc.).

SOME THINGS NOT TO MISS:

Soup: Fujianese Dumpling Soup (a favorite in owner's hometown - you will never eat wonton again)

Appetizer: Chive Dumplings (split the top and drizzle with the vinegar juice that comes with it)

Vegetable: Order greens sauteed with garlic (ask the server what is fresh today - Chinese Water Cress, Tender Pea Vines, or Chinese Broccoli (very mild - and very different from American broccoli)

Fish: Flounder Paradise (flounder wrapped around scallions and crab meat)

...or for Spicy Fish: fried Szechuan fish

Something Different?: Tender Spicy Bamboo (sauteed with jalapenos)

Something Really Different: Three Cup Squid (we always order this with wary newbies who then proceed to devour it with delight - delicious)

Want something REALLY spicy? Order a bowl of fish served in Szechuan peppercorn broth. Eat the fish on rice. Don't mess with the peppercorns, though, unless you don't mind a numb tongue.

A couple of writers said they had "intestinal discomfort." My wife and I have been going twice a month for 6 years and have never had a bad experience.

• Pros: Authentic Chinese food; all Chinese staff
• Cons: Some servers don't speak great English so may seem taciturn - but they are just quiet