P.F. Chang's Opens At Westfarms Mall
SEARED AHI TUNA is one of many appetizers at P.F. Chang's China Bistro at Westfarms mall. (STEPHEN DUNN / HARTFORD COURANT / December 5, 2008)
It's hard to miss the newest dining addition to Westfarms Mall, given its towering facade and the 10-foot Ming horse in front of the mall's upper level entrance.
But in-your-face architecture aside, P.F. Chang's China Bistro has come to town, and customers are rejoicing.
The popular national chain, which has only one other location in Connecticut ( Stamford), advertises that its goal is to "attain a harmony of taste, texture, color and aroma" by balancing the principles of "fan," foods like rice, noodles, grains and dumplings, and t'sai, which includes vegetables, meat, poultry and seafood.
And since opening Dec. 1, the restaurant has been delivering it all, including signature favorites like its chicken lettuce wraps, orange-peel beef, crispy honey shrimp and lunch bowls.
"We've already had so many people come in who have been waiting for us to open," said operating partner Sidney Yip, describing diners who have eaten at Chang's in other states. "And we have had a great opening."
A soothing dining room that seats 235 features amber-colored Asian-inspired lanterns with hand-painted Asian murals gracing walls in both the dining room and bar area, which has additional seating. Yip said the appropriate state bird is added to the murals in each of its locations, a comment that led several eavesdropping diners immediately to search the walls for a Connecticut robin.
Besides its signature menu, P.F. Chang's also offers a variety of wines and specialty drinks, including Chang's Mai Tai and Plum Collins and made-to-order wine flights. A patio will seat an additional 50 people in warmer weather, said marketing partner Michael Pennington.
The menu offers appetizers, soups and salads, chicken, beef , seafood and vegetarian choices as well as side dishes and traditional offerings, including moo goo gai pan, almond and cashew chicken and shrimp with lobster sauce. Desserts include the chain's "Great Wall of Chocolate" cake and smaller $2 mini-desserts.
P.F. Chang's also offers take-out for those who would like to dine at home.
The restaurant, at 500 South St., Farmington, is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and until midnight Friday and Saturday. Telephone is 860-561-0097.
Small Bites
McDonald's has McCafe and a deal for those who want to try the fast-food chain's new line of premium coffees.
Today through Saturday, participating restaurants will offer free cups of the chain's new espresso-based coffees, including iced and hot lattes, mochas and cappuccinos.
The specialty drinks, available in caramel, hazelnut, vanilla and sugar-free vanilla, are available for purchase in four sizes.
There may be snow on the ground, but hope for warm-weather dining springs eternal in Plainville. Lewis Street Lunch Wagon has opened at Hooker and Lewis Streets, near the I-84/Rt. 72 on-ramp. Specializing in hot dogs, with plans to add coffee and breakfast sandwiches, the wagon is owned by Craig Pellegrini and is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
Carmen Anthony's in Wethersfield is offering a $4.95 happy hour bar menu through the end of the month. Mini-burgers, wings, scallops wrapped in bacon and a clam-strip platter are some of the happy hour menu items that will be featured at the bar daily beginning at 4 p.m. The restaurant is at 1770 Berlin Turnpike. Telephone: 860-529-7557.
Nature's Grocer, at 81 East St., Vernon, is selling gluten-free pizzas on Friday nights. The restaurant is also serving gluten-free breakfasts on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with menu items including French toast, waffles, omelets and eggs with toast. Telephone: 860-870-0020.
Bosc Kitchen & Wine Bar is offering a $25 coupon with each $100 gift certificate purchased through Christmas. The restaurant is also offering 25 percent off all food and drinks at the wine bar Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Bosc is at 136 Simsbury Road, Avon. Telephone: 860-676-2672 .
The Firebox, 539 Broad St., Hartford, is offering a "3 for $30"dinner special Tuesdays through Fridays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close. The special includes a first course, entrée and dessert. Call 860-246-1222 for information or reservations.
Cavey's is once again hosting its annual lunch specials.
Usually open for dinners only, the Manchester restaurant's Italian dining room will be open for lunch through Dec. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Among the specials are fritto misto, minestrone Genovese, mini-burgers, seared salmon with arugula, baked pasta and penne bolognese. Telephone: 860-643-2751.
Apricots, 1593 Farmington Ave., Farmington, is offering "Recession Busters" specials that include a $19.95 three-course dinner special each night in the pub, $2 Bud and Bud Light beers on Sunday, Monday and on evenings when there is a UConn basketball game. The restaurant is also offering gift cards, with a second one valued at 10 percent of the one purchased. It is also offering 20 percent off on all to-go orders.