Panda Express

Alright, this review is on Panda Express. I know you think you don't need to hear anything about it; which means you might not realize the importance of reading this review. The news is-I know a few tips and tricks- and they'll make your Panda Express visit more satisfying and a little more affordable.

At Panda Express you're not there for the BEST chinese food around. You're looking for selection and fresh quality, served to you quickly. Panda has that, and they'll give you the time to sample everything you want until you find the thing you would like. So... this is where my tips come into play.

Always say that you're ordering "to-go," even if you're planning on staying in the restaurant to eat. Why? Well, if you tell them you're planning on eating in, they'll serve you on a plate which holds less food than the "to-go" box and portion sizes aren't very generous. Then again, if you're on a diet that plate might help with portion control.

The other tip that you need to remember is that on the back of all their receipts are offers for a free entree if you complete their survey. Sounds boring, there's no escaping that. Online the survey takes a minute or so and on the phone it varies. At the end of the survey they'll give you a number which you write on your receipt and boom, free entree. It's worth, that's the bottom line.

What you need to know:

494 University Pkwy
Orem, UT 84097

(801) 235-1828

-find a receipt before you go

PF Changs China Bistro

PF Changs has a lot of hype. The environment there is classy and the help is on top of it. It seems like everyone makes a trip there for a friends birthday or some other special occasion. The point is everyone has been there. If you haven't gone yet, you will soon. Let's get on to the food.

I will admit that the Chinese food at PF Changs is Americanized. If you're looking for authenticity PF Changs is not the right stop. That said, the food there is great. I've had a variety of their dishes and was pleased. All food at PF Changs is served in family portions and that means that there is plenty to pass around the table for all to sample.

At my most recent visit to the restaurant I tried the honey chicken, Kung Pao chicken, Mongolian beef, and Changs' spicy chicken. The dish that surprised me the most was the Mongolian beef. The beef was packed with flavor and was delicious. The honey chicken is the "safe" dish there. I have the feeling that's what their average customer gets, and it taste great. The Kung Pao chicken was what I ordered to share with all and I was surprised at how many people were sampling and preferring the Kung Pao over most other things there. Lastly, the spicy chicken was good, but not spicy.

Before ordering your meal the must have appetizer are the lettuce wraps, they are wonderful. When the group I was with ordered one of these, it was only minutes until the first order was gone and we were requesting a second order.

First glance at the menu prices seems intimidating for the college student but you have to remember that those dishes are made to share. The prices average at about 13-14 dollars. I would really recommend going there with three or more people who don't have a problem sharing. :) For the environment and the helpfulness of the staff, you're getting what you paid for.

Here's the info you'll need:

575 University Pkwy
Orem, UT 84097

(801) 426-0900

-they take reservations

Thai Kitchen

Another restaurant, another review. Thai Kitchen, formerly call "Thai Pepper" is a place to go if you're looking to try something you've never had before. The menu is full of exotic things that some might find enjoyable; e.g., catfish. Before I posted this blog I talked with all of my friends about what they thought about this restaurant; what I heard I'd agree with. The overall quality of the food is probably lower than that of your typical thai restaurant. Not that it doesn't taste good, it's just not amazing. That noted, the price you pay for the food may not be worth it. Food averages about nine dollars a plate and so it's left to you to figure out about what your wallet will allow for.

I was chatting with a friend a moment ago about her experience there and she mentioned that she requested the bamboo shoots to be taken out of her food, which weren't. I mention that but we have to remember two things: (1) people make mistakes (2) one mistake doesn't mean it happens every time. I haven't had an issue with the staff there and I find them kind. When it comes to food it's been enjoyable minus one dish that I experimented with. The green curry to me tasted too sweet and there was an overpowering leaf that was added that basically overpowered the taste of the whole meal. The peanut curry is delicious. I haven't heard anyone complain about it. I have also heard good things about the yellow curry. Here's the info you'll need:

-Rice is $1 - unlimited

283 E 300 S,

Provo, UT 84606

(801) 370-9894

Saigon Cafe

Saigon Cafe may not look like much from the road side, but inside there is some delicious food at an excellent price. The problem at Saigon cafe is that if you don't know what to get you might not end up ever going back. First, let's start with the only part of the menu you should look at as a student... the specials. For 5 bucks they'll start you off with egg drop or hot & sour soup. The egg drop is what the help always recommends, and it's just fine, but the hot & sour is an acquired taste. The good news is, it doesn't take much to acquire the taste, maybe 2 or 3 bites. After a seemingly short wait your plate comes out piled high with rice and edged with an egg roll. I can assure you this part of the meal always tastes great. The part where your Saigon experience may be in jeopardy teeters on what special you decide upon. The Kung Pao Chicken is the best but that doesn't mean all the chicken there is good. General Tao's chicken doesn't have very much flavor and isn't enjoyable to eat. Other specials that I've tried and enjoyed are the Mongolian Beef and the Lemon Chicken.

Don't miss understand this blog. I seriously love this place! You just have to know how to navigate through the menu and who to show up and eat with. Eat here with your buddies and do it at lunch time. All your friends will leave satisfied, even if it's just in the price they all pay. Bring a date here only if your trying to show her that you know how to find a DEAL.

Here's what you need to know:

-the "host" is not too enthusiastic... you'll see what I mean

-you can pay with a credit card

-show up wearing anything you want

-they do take-out

-can't make reservations

Address: 440 W 300 S

Provo, UT 84601

#: (801) 812-1173