Orange County Register

By Mystery Diner (not Brian)The last time I ate at Pei Wei Asian Diner was a few years ago and I wasn’t impressed. However, a recent trip changed my mind!

A quick stop to Pei Wei on Alton Parkway – where the motto is now “East of Usual” – for a carry-out order on my way back from an interview turned out to be a nice dinner choice.

Once inside, I checked out the large menu filled with all sorts of Asian delights ranging from salads and noodle dishes to chicken, beef, shrimp and pork entrées. Everything sounded fresh and I was hoping this time around my meal would be better.

According to the company, since 2001 Pei Wei has been serving what is calls “wok-seared, contemporary pan-Asian cuisine for under $10.” Its parent company is actually P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.

On this particular evening, I ordered the Pad Thai, and an order of Pei Wei Spring rolls. However, there are other menu items that tempted me. For example, from the “First Tastes” column the minced chicken with cool lettuce wraps looked like a popular starter as did the Edamame soybeans. From the regular menu entrées, I would suggest from the “Signature Dishes,” column either the ginger broccoli, Thai Dynamite, the Dan Dan Noodles or the Asian chopped salad.

After a short wait, my order was up and handed to me; it smelled heavenly just the way Asian-inspired food should.

Once unpacked, my Pad Thai looked colorful; rice noodles with tofu, bean sprouts, scallion, egg, crushed peanuts, lime, cilantro and a Thai sweet and sour sauce. It was actually pretty good compared to some of the other Chinese fast-food places that I have ordered Pad Thai. The noodles were cooked just right, and I always love the crushed peanuts!

The spring rolls were also tasty and I wouldn’t hesitate to order them again; they consisted of cabbage, ginger, carrot, onion and black mushrooms, all rolled into a crispy wrapper.

Satisfied with my meal from Pei Wei this time around, I would go back again and again for a quick Asian-inspired meal that’s also easy on my wallet.

Fare: Wok-seared Asian style

Ambiance: Casual

Service: Good

Prices: Appetizers starting at $2.25; salads $6.75; noodle/rice bowls $6.95; Kids menu starting at $3.75.

Location: 5781 Alton Parkway in Oak Creek Village Center (Alton and Jeffrey)

Phone: 949-857-8700

More on local dining

• Bluewater Grill opens at The District
• Mystery Diner reviews Peppino’s Italian in Woodbury
• A taste of France, right here in Irvine
• Chophouse opens in place of French 75

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.