TooDooPolaris.com Polaris Mall

After being a fan of P. F. Chang for some time, we decided to try the “Junior Size”, Pei Wei Asian Diner, located on Polaris Parkway in the Polaris Lifestyles Community. We wondered how could P. F. Chang become fast food? Upon entering, we were immediately in line to place out order. That is definitely different from the wait at P. F. Chang’s China Bistro. Like many of the newer eateries, you make a menu choice at the front counter, fill your drink cup and find a table. The menu choices are prepared and delivered to you.

is a newer concept of P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, a very popular   Asian Restaurant located in most of the U.S. Pei Wei is basically a Pan-Asian noodle restaurant with counter service that offers a very tasty lunch option. The rice dishes and noodles are served it decent portions and no menu items exceed $9. Their chefs are professionally trained and have the skill to mix everything just  the way you choose. Pei Wei is great if you wish to avoid greasy, unhealthy lunch. You can get the freshest vegetables and other mouth watering dishes at a very affordable

P. F. Chang China Bistro calls this new venture a “faster more casual take” of the parent company. Menu offerings remain Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Koran. An excellent selection of pan-Asian appetizers and meals.

The menu offers selections from four categories: First Tastes (appetizers), Salads, Rice and Noodle Bowls and Signature Dishes. If your in a real hurry, just stop in for a First Taste. The choices are delicious Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Crab Wontons,
Pei Wei Spring Rolls, Hot and Sour Soup, Crispy Potstickers and Edamame. We sampled three of the six and all were excellent.

One Pei Wei Asian Signature Dish is the new Thai Dynamite. Inspired by the bold flavors and colors of Thailand, the flavors of this new dish are similar to the spicy, soy and kaffir lime flavors found in sauces sold at street markets all across Thailand. Thai Dynamite is offered with your protein choice of chicken, crispy shrimp, or pork; wok-seared with scallion sticks, red bell pepper, carrots, and Thai basil. Add your choice of Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, Vegetables, Tofu, or Tofu and Vegetables. Excellent taste and heavily recommended.

Every choice is seared to order and delivered hot and fresh to your table. That’s enough to remove any “fast food” references.

The Cheesecake Factory at Polaris is an Italian themed restaurant with some excellent pizza and pasta dishes. But, italian food is only a small section of the overall menu choices. At 18 pages, the longest part of the meal can be deciding what to order.

Depending on the time of day, you may sometimes end up waiting for a table, but you can always grab a seat at the bar. The bartenders are fast and friendly and this can make the wait rather enjoyable.

The bread that arrives prior to your meal is pretty good – fresh and soft, with three different types to choose from.

The extensive menu includes over 200 selections, including appetizers, pasta, pizza, seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches, etc. The menu offers more choices for vegetarians than most restaurants. Featured dishes include Miso Salmon, Chicken Madeira, Cajun Jambalaya Pasta, and one of my favorites – The Factory Burger.

There are over FIFTY different cheesecake and dessert options, including the 30th Anniversary Cheesecake, and Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake.

The portions are absolutely huge, and usually leave no room for cheesecake, but when in Rome… You can always split a piece with a friend and have more than enough.

The outdoor patio is a nice option when the weather is nice.