Panda Express

I mean, it’s Panda Express, so if you know the chain you know more or less what to expect. It was open Christmas Eve when I was coming home from soccer so that was a plus, but despite what they say about their healthy food, I don’t see how it’s remotely healthy. Maybe they use natural ingredients and fresh vegetables but their recipes and approach are obviously not so healthy. Most of their chicken is breaded and deep-​fried but I know that is what many people want out of Chinese-​American food. The staff is friendly, the restaurant is clean (and also fairly new). I have a pejorative feeling against fast Chinese-​American food in general and if I want it at all, I would go normally to a buffet but for what it is, Panda does alright I suppose.

The rice and chow mein were only okay again tonight. The only thing that has me coming back to this place a couple times a month is the orange chicken, it’s pretty good. They got me to buy an egg roll tonight… What a waste of a dollar. Tastes and looks like it was recooked, with burnt ends and some mystery meat in the very meager filling. Gross, not even edible with lots of plum sauce. It’s supposed to be a chicken egg roll, but that can’t be chicken and it doesn’t taste like any egg roll I’ve ever had before. I wish the fried rice had egg in it instead of corn, but nobody does good fried rice like Yamato’s. Overall it’s okay for when I want Chinese-​like food without having to get out of my vehicle.

Panda is a dangerous place! Yes, it is super delicious, especially the honey walnut shrimp, but beware, the amount of food you will consume will be felt by your belly for the next 36 hours. Is it worth it? I dunno, how sad are you and how iron is your stomach? I love Chinese-​American food, but Panda is maybe a bit too good. Caveat Emptor!!!