P.F. Chang's China Bistro Opens in Maumee, Ohio

The Toledo restaurant scene has received some upper end, high scale restaurants to add to the array of eateries in the area as of late. One notable addition to the gourmet selections is PF Chang's Restaurant, located at the new shopping center Fallen Timbers in Maumee Ohio near Toledo.

You will find that the restaurant is definitely unique to what you may be used to in the Northwest Ohio/Southeast Michigan dinning area. Upon entering the facility, the décor and ambiance is classy, modern and fun. The colors pop and are alive-making the atmosphere sophisticated and fun all in one-a feat not easily accomplished.

The dishes focus on Chinese cuisine. The different aspects of the cuisine are showcased, modern and old traditions are wrapped into a unique experience in the dishes, whether it is the sauces or the way they are cooked. Most of the items on the menu focus on a balance of grains and meat/vegetables and they are well rounded plates.

The appetizer of harvest spring rolls what delightful, crispy but light and filled to the brim with great vegetables. It was just enough to share for two. When it came time to decide on a dinner, friends that had been there before were interested in trying a new dish then their traditional Sweet and Sour Chicken choice. The friendly wait staff recommended a Chicken with Black Bean Sauce for a more interesting, different taste experience. I went with a favorite at other eateries of mine, the Beef with Broccoli dish.

When our food arrived, we dug right into the heaping, large plates and took in the colorful dishes and their great aromas. The Beef was cooked in a sweet, tangy ginger sauce that was tossed with fresh steamed broccoli and was delish. My friend however did not enjoy her taste adventure, and was a little disappointed that she tried something new and did not enjoy the taste of the combination.

But this is where the story gets good. Once the waitress returned and asked how the experience was, she wanted to know how my friend liked her dish. She stated that it was less than her expectations and did not care for it. The waitress, knowing that she preferred the Sweet and Sour Chicken, went and had the kitchen staff immediately prepare her a substitution dish for her instead. My friend was ecstatic, and happy to try the new and still get what she wanted.

Overall, a great experience and a flexible, friendly staff. I highly recommend calling ahead for reservations since seating is quickly filled most evenings, and a 2 or more hour wait on a weekend evening is not out of the ordinary.