Panda Express

As few times as I go to the mall, I've not had the opportunity to eat Panda Express. Whenever I eat the food court quickies, it's been something else. Since I was in the same parking area as P.E. today, I figured I'd go in and try it.

I got the Chow Mein, Kung Pao Chicken, and Sweetfire Chicken combo. Now, either I'm not used to chow mein down here, or the noodles are not what I expected. From what I saw and tasted, they are calling this dish something completely different. I've always seen Asian inspired restaurants say it's Lo Mein, due to the type of noodles, where as Chow Mein is just the steamed vegetables (and slightly other noodles, given the place). When asked about it, we were told it's chow mein because "it's vegetables with noodles". O....kay.... Yea, still called Lo Mein in 99 per cent of the places I go to. But I'm not going to argue.

The Kung Pao Chicken was good; wasn't the best I've had, but it was tasty with little bits of whole chilis mixed in. I like when you get that... it makes the meal more fun. The Sweet Fire chicken was surely sweet, with a slight fire kick to it. Not as chili heat as the Kung Pao, but enough to let you know the honey sweet was there to help.

Monetary note of two things when visiting this establishment: Whatever the shrimp meal of the day is, it costs an extra dollar and a half on top of the plate charge (one side and 2 entrees or one side and 3 entrees). Same thing goes with the Shanghai Angus steak. I went with someone who wanted to do the Steak and something with the side, but the woman behind the counter informed us it was an extra dollar fifty because "it's top Angus steak" and therefore, you're paying extra "for premium".

Also noted: The "choose your plate" is a bit deceiving. We read it as: 1. Choose your side. 2. Choose your Entrees. 3. Add drink.
The difference is: the third step, add drink, is a separate entity. You pay 6.29 for two entrees or 7.54 for three; then it's an additional charge of a couple dollars for a fountain drink. We questioned it, and were told the last step is optional. We still ordered the drinks, but be forewarned. :)

We'd actually go back if in the area again.

Panda express Orange chicken. Need I say more? They franchised around it.

Basically Chinese "airport fast food." Not terrible, but not so hot either. It's clean & friendly.  Good in a pinch, and cheap as well...