I tried two of the Chinese lunch combos. They come with your choice of soup, a small side salad a cream cheese filled Wonton, a gyoza, and your choice of regular white, or fried rice.
For some reason they don't give you any of the red Sweet and Sour Sauce that is traditionally served with a cream cheese filled wonton. Also there is no dipping sauce for your gyoza. For me that is a great big disappointment it's like having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich without the jelly.
The salad came in a little soup bowl so it was ample for a small side salad and the vinegar based dressing was rather nice. The salads just some iceberg lettuce and nothing special but it was welcomed. I tried the hot and sour soup and it was served nice and hot which is always a plus however it was unnaturally thick. I know that you're hot and sour soup is going to be thickened but this was so thick it was like a gel. It was a very hearty soup however and had they not thickened it so much it would have been quite nice. The Miso was weak, and only Luke warm, with lots of tofu. It's unusual for me not to turn my bowl up and finish every drop of miso but I left half of it there.
The shrimp lo mein noodle dish was flavorful. They use the little bay shrimps, there were a little bit of vegetables thrown in, it could easily have had more veggies what with the little bit of little shrimps.
The garlic shrimp had plenty of vegetables, including mushrooms. The mushrooms were cold on the inside and the 6 or so little bay shrimps were not at all garlicky and flavorful. This dish was a bust. I love garlic shrimp done right, but they just don't do it right. I can forgive the small shrimps which were great big disappointment because that is the star of garlic shrimp however it just didn't have any real flavor like they didn't do any kind of a thickening or breading or any kind of spice, and the garlic just didn't show up either.
The fried rice was served just lukewarm not freshly hot and fried there was a token one or two little pebbles of egg in there and nothing that made it special at all like they could have just probably thrown some soy sauce in a pan and change the color and that's about what it was. I think they probably served up the rice onto the plate and let it sit there while they cook the food or something because it certainly didn't come right out of the fry pan.
If you're looking for a draft beer they don't have that here but they do have the small and large Sapporos and other beers.
I really wish they could have gotten more right at this place, but with all the disappointment, no sauces, warm weak Miso, super thick hot and sour, less than hearty vegetables bland little bay shrimp, lukewarm "silly" fried rice and cold inners on the mushrooms, I'm not sure I'll try any of the...
Read moreRestaurant Review: Panda Machi Alpine, San Diego
Nestled in the heart of San Diego, Panda Machi Alpine offers a delightful fusion of Chinese cuisine and sushi, promising a culinary experience that is both unique and memorable. The restaurant's ambiance strikes a fine balance between elegance and comfort, making it an ideal spot for both casual lunches and special occasions.
The star of the menu is undoubtedly the Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings, a dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its perfect blend of spices and crispiness. Each bite is a testament to the chef's mastery in balancing flavors and textures.
Another standout is their Salmon Nigiri, which has been hailed as 'the best on the planet' by many of its patrons. The sushi is expertly crafted, featuring fresh, succulent salmon that melts in your mouth, paired with perfectly seasoned rice. It's a simple dish executed to perfection.
Panda Machi Alpine also offers a range of affordable lunch specials, which are a hit among the local crowd. These specials provide a great opportunity to sample a variety of dishes without breaking the bank, making the restaurant a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Panda Machi Alpine is more than just a dining spot; it's a culinary journey that brings the best of Chinese and sushi under one roof. Whether you're a local or someone looking for a destination drive for a unique dining experience, this restaurant is definitely...
Read moreThe food was rushed, so much so that I didn't have time to finish the appetizers before the main course was served and then it was Luke warm at best. The chicken in my teriyaki chicken tasted off, like it was too old to be eaten and it wasn't even stir fried. More like boiled and teriyaki sauce dumped on it. The chicken wasn't cut into edible bite-size pieces and there was fat on it. The vegetables, like the broccoli, the stems were hard and the heads were mushy. There is no way this meal was made to order, it tasted like it was prepared two days ago and heated up in a microwave and not even to temperature. I couldn't eat it. I have to say, this was the worst meal I have ever eaten out anywhere. I will never go back! Not ever! Years ago, I used to go there with my parents and it was a well run restaurant and the food was delicious. I'm not sure what happened, but the food is not good enough to feed your dog!! The waiters, and don't get me wrong, I'm not in any way prejudiced, but when I go out to eat at a Chinese restaurant I expect to be served and have an atmosphere with Chinese. I felt like I was in a multi culture restaurant and it just didn't work for me. I know of great Chinese restaurants in San Diego that have that feel and that's exactly where I will go and the food is fantastic! I only came here because of a group I was with. Next time, I will make an excuse...
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