We stopped in for a Saturday lunch at Panda Express, located in the strip center across the parking lot from Best Buy at 2260 Gunbarrel Road. The restaurant was clean and the employees were very helpful. I appreciated their guidance because I found the system a bit confusing.
It’s set up cafeteria style and as you go through the line, you make your selections. First you choose a side which includes mixed veggies, chow mein, fried rice and steamed rice.
Then you choose your entrée – this is where I got confused. I thought I only wanted one entrée, but when I ordered soup, I was told that is considered an entrée so in reality I was getting two entrees. One side and two entrées is $6.25, while one side and three entrees is $7.50. You do have to add to the price if you order shrimp.
There were quite a few selections – String Bean Chicken Breast, Beijing Beef, Kung Pao Chicken, Honey Walnut Shrimp, plus others. I finally settled on Black Pepper Chicken. There are also chicken egg rolls and veggie spring rolls. Wayne ordered Beijing Beef and Kung Pao Chicken, both of which are listed as spicy, along with fried rice.
I thought the Black Pepper Chicken was excellent. It had a great taste, chicken was tender, vegetables crisp, and it wasn’t that gooey, syrupy consistency I’ve been served at some places (I assume the thickening agent). Wayne enjoyed both of his selections and said he wouldn’t mind a return visit. He did not feel the spicy was “that” spicy. I have found that even though he doesn’t always think things are spicy, I have the opposite thought!
Panda Express offers “Bowl” meals which consist of one side and one entrée for only $4.99. Children’s meals are served for $4.50 including a drink and cookie. If your group wants to try several items, you could purchase the Family Feast (serves 4-5) for $29. It includes two sides and three entrees. They also prepare party trays.
I liked the food well enough to go back – except for the hot ‘n sour soup. Just wasn’t what I like – too much of a gel consistency.
Keep in mind, you will be served on paper plates with plastic utensils – this is not fine dining. I did note on the menu that Panda Express offers a Wok Smart entrée with 250 calories or less. I might check that out sometime soon.
Hours for Panda Express are 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
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cdojanet@epbfi.com
China style
- Photo2 by Janet Wilsonj