A while ago I asked for comments about PF Changs, and received a number, both positive and negative. We weren't going to go, but found ourselves in town one evening looking for a meal so did. Thought I'd just pass along my impressions. Context: We were looking for a restaurant where a small group (6) could have dinner before theater, wanted to be close to the theater for various reasons, and were willing to try different cuisines. PF Changs has recently opened so I wondered what it would be like. By the way, we've been eating Chinese food for many years, both upscale and downscale, takeout and eat-in, we look for it when we travel, etc. (Have found wonderful Chinese food in some unlikely places, like Shelburne VT, but that is another story.) Pre-theater our group went to the Shanghai Cafe, corner of Stuart and Tremont Streets. Can look out the window and see 3 theaters. This is a very small outpost of the New Shanghai, a well regarded restaurant a couple of blocks away in Chinatown. The Cafe is in a site that used to be a Burger King or McDonalds, then a Boston Chicken. We found the food good though not outstanding, the service was good, only possible drawback was that they only serve wine and beer, no cocktails. Ordinarily this wouldn't be a problem for us but my spouse had spent the day struggling with the Mass State Income Tax forms, had a difficult drive into town, and would have liked something stronger. We had a nice round table and enjoyed our conversation along with our food. We'd go back. A few nights later a couple of us were in town and decided to check out PF Changs. The good was good, somewhat more interesting than the cafe, the service was cheerful and very enthusiastic, the bar was complete for those who care, but the noise level made pleasant conversation impossible. Aside from the people noise PFC had loud music playing, most of it not to our taste. Maybe we've fallen into the generation gap again.... most of the people there were much younger than us, and seemed to be enjoying themselves. But we won't go back because we like to be able to talk to and listen to the people we are with. Too bad because we did enjoy most of the food, and other items on the menu looked interesting. I did ask the waiter if it was always this noisy, especially the music, and he said - quite cheerfully - on weekends it is even noisier. I guess it is a happening place. This - loud ambience - seems to be a trend now. Fortunately there are still some quieter places for us stogier folk. Cheers, ncg
Boston, MA