PF Chang Bistro--Knoxville

What a beautiful PF Chang's Bistro in Knoxville

I have not been to PF Chang for years.   The last recollection was over three years ago.  It was, in one word, miserable.  No need to resurrect that horrible night.  Restaurants change, management change and waitstaff change.   Today's visit changed everything.   Miss M convinced me that we should retry PF Chang. 

We were greeted promptly by the manager who assisted in getting us to our table.  A nice, comfortable booth and a great view of the dining room and the cocktail lounge.  So far...so good.  Our server was quick to greet Miss M and myself.   Drinks were promptly served and we scoured over the menu.  The Menu was the same at the evening menu...and some of the entrees were a little on the pricey side.   I am not used to Asian food being in the 15 dollar range for lunch.    After a closer look, I found the Lunch Bowl offerings.   These were in the 7.75 to 9.95 and included soup.  Now we are in my lunchtime price range.  

The Server arrived at our table with the obligatory PF Chang's Sauce Tray.   Mixed up a mild batch that we had to fortify with more hot chili sauce!

And we couldn't proceed without The Spring Roll...very crisp, hot and served with the hot mustard and plum sauce. 






Time to consider our lunch entrees.    I really enjoy Crispy Honey Chicken and Sesame Chicken.   Miss M wanted to try their Cashew Chicken.   Other selections included SESAME CHICKEN, Stir-fried with broccoli, red peppers, onions and ginger in a sesame sauce,  ALMOND & CASHEW CHICKEN, Stir-fried with bell peppers, onions and mushrooms in a garlic soy sauce, BEEF WITH BROCCOLI, Served Cantonese-style, tossed with steamed broccoli,  BUDDHA'S FEAST, Mixed vegetables served steamed or stir-fried,  MOO GOO GAI PAN, P.F. Chang's version of the classic Cantonese dish with chicken and shrimp,  SHRIMP WITH LOBSTER SAUCE, Garlic white wine sauce with Chinese black beans, mushrooms, scallions and egg,   ASIAN GRILLED SALMON, Savory grilled salmon served with fresh asparagus,  CRISPY HONEY CHICKEN, Lightly battered and quick-fried in a flavorful sauce, and  PEPPER STEAK, Quickly cooked steak with red and green bell peppers, yellow onion, garlic and black pepper .

Sesame Chicken

Cashew Chicken

 The Hot/Sour soup was good...had better...but it was good.   

All in all, PF Chang's Bistro has redeemed their reputation and 
we will definitely be back for a repeat performance.

Backfin Blue Cafe--Gulfport

This has to be my third trip to Backfin Blue.....and I kept coming back for a reason.....good, unpretentious seafood!

Every time, we are greeted with a friendly, accommodating host.   We request our table and they always seat us in the most comfortable seat in the house.  

On this evening, it was a little warmer than  the last visit.  We were escorted to the patio with the curtains dropped for our comfort.   Our server was quick to approach our table and strived to make our dinner wonderful.    First, we needed a few beverages to quench our ravenous thirst.      After all, a busy day at the beach can drain you!  Cocktails and beers of various regions were suggested, including Asian beers and a couple from the Rockies, including Durango beer.    Sorry to say, after a couple, our server had to inform us that we had drank the last of that selection and we should choose another beer selection.   My choice would have been for her to get on her bicycle and go down to the neighborhood quick-mart and buy another six pack for us to enjoy.  But we did survive with her next beer suggestion. 

But on to the appetizers....and my choice was the Crab Nachos.   Accompanied with the Durango Beer, they were enjoyed by everyone!  

And on to our entrees!!  

Artichoke and Tomato Salad

Portobello Imperial....Heaven on a Plate!

The Chef's Special---Ahi Tuna

Grilled Salmon with Cream Crab Topping

Once again, our food and service was an exceptional event.   Can't wait to return to my favorite restaurant in Gulfport...Backfin Blue Cafe will make the trip worth every minute of travel.  

Great Patio Dining

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