Panda Garden

So Karyn refuses to write the review first, citing that she would have to go in and fix mine…I admit, I am a blogger virgin. It’s been a while since our last review; don’t worry, we have eaten since then! But since I’ve had to write first, the reviews have piled up. But have no fear, they will be just as awesome (with a couple of tangents thrown in)!

Ni hao! No, I wasn’t fortunate enough to go to Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympics, but I was fortunate enough to go to Panda Garden—my favorite Chinese restaurant in St. George! There was a time when Panda Garden was frequented by yours truly at least three times a week. The guys usually know what I want to drink before I can even order! For those of you who are familiar with this restaurant, let me tell you, they’ve made some fantastic changes! Remember the big gold Buddha that used to greet you with a warm smile and a big belly? Well, he’s been replaced with a beautiful glass case full of treasures. With new tables, seats, wall covering, etc., Panda Garden is a brand new place! The food is good—my favorite is the char siu ribs. They used to come out in aluminum foil, and to my delight it was became a little game to see if I can unwrap them before burning my fingers. I know, sadistic. Now they come out on a nice white plate (see picture). I always order them. Just like I always order the sweet and sour pork, with the lo mein noodles and cheese wanton. The renovations to the restaurant even include upgrades to more modern crockery and more dishes like a teppanyaki plate. With the renovation, I give Panda Garden a 9 all around!

Panda Garden. I first visited this restaurant the second week I moved to St. George. I was living with an aunt, and she took me out to a Relief Society 'Lunch Bunch.' I remember thinking 'Why am I eating Chinese food with a bunch of old ladies?' However, the women at that lunch were HILARIOUS (if not contantly talking to me about their kids) and the food was good.

This experience was better. Company-wise it was nicer (Susi is relatively similar to me in age, and we have more in common... and she isn't constantly talking about her kids. Maybe because she doesn't have any...) and food wise... well, we're getting there. My first responsibility is to talk about ambience.

The first time I went to Panda, It was a little shocking. The walls were orange and covered in gold art pieces. There was a golden buddah at the entry and the seating was poorly laid out. This time, I was surprised and happy to see that they redecorated. Replacing the buddah is a red frog with a coin in its mouth for prosperity, instead of the orange walls, they've re-done them in a beige-y toupe, and the seating arrangements have been re-vamped with cherry wood and frosted glass art booths. Overall, i was impressed with the changes.

The food was good, and still is. I had the cheese rangoons and Japanese bento with Teri-beef. The rangoons were DELISH! I really liked the bento. The presentation was AWESOME... it came in a bento type tray. It was pretty good.

I think I have a biased opinion when it comes asian food in St. George. Coming from Hawaii, the community is such a melting pot of cultures, that I've had better. :) But it was good for St. George standards.

SO, the totals are 8's all around. :) Panda has good food, a beautiful restaurant and decent prices. Go and Enjoy!