P.F. Chang's China Bistro is a chain operation with more than 100 restaurants sprinkled all over the United States. Their formula of Chinese decor and menu coupled with casual American ambiance seems to have filled a niche in the American market and made them a remarkable success story.

The menu draws from all the Chinese regions and cooking styles. Because most Chinese immigrants to our country came from the Canton region, Americans generally are most familiar with Cantonese food. One of the Cantonese dishes at Chang's is the wonderful lettuce wrap appetizer ($6.95). In China, lettuce wraps are usually served with minced pigeon. Chang's offers diners a choice between spicy chicken or wok-seared tofu with onions, water chestnuts, fresh mint and lime. Each is served with a plate of crisp iceberg lettuce leaves that are used to wrap the filling into a sort of Chinese burrito. Dip these into a sauce concocted of soy sauce, chili oil and Chinese mustard for a mouthful of contrasting tastes and textures. This is the embodiment of the Chinese principle of yin and yang and a delightful departure from the usual fried spring rolls, the standard appetizer for most Chinese meals.

a chain operation with more than 100 restaurants sprinkled all over the United States. Their formula of Chinese decor and menu coupled with casual American ambiance seems to have filled a niche in the American market and made them a remarkable success story.

The menu draws from all the Chinese regions and cooking styles. Because most Chinese immigrants to our country came from the Canton region, Americans generally are most familiar with Cantonese food. One of the Cantonese dishes at Chang's is the wonderful lettuce wrap appetizer ($6.95). In China, lettuce wraps are usually served with minced pigeon. Chang's offers diners a choice between spicy chicken or wok-seared tofu with onions, water chestnuts, fresh mint and lime. Each is served with a plate of crisp iceberg lettuce leaves that are used to wrap the filling into a sort of Chinese burrito. Dip these into a sauce concocted of soy sauce, chili oil and Chinese mustard for a mouthful of contrasting tastes and textures. This is the embodiment of the Chinese principle of yin and yang and a delightful departure from the usual fried spring rolls, the standard appetizer for most Chinese meals.