#159: Panda Cafe

Date Visited: 14 May 2015

Meal: Dinner

Diners: Me & Wendy

Experience: I have a new favorite Chinese restaurant! Panda Cafe opened a few weeks ago in Leesburg’s AutoZone Center (formerly Prosperity Center). It’s a small place, but I’m currently pretty excited about it. The restaurants still at AutoZone Center include Del Rio, RJ’s Deli, and Little Caesars (J&W Asian Bistro, Sal’s NY Bar & Grille, and Dolce Coffee House all closed).

We started out with hot tea and two appetizers. The Shrimp Spring Rolls were crispy and flavorful, and the the Cheese Wonton Crab Rangoon was light, crispy, and hot.

I ordered Kung Pao Chicken for my entree (it’s my standard test for a Chinese restaurant). It came with peanuts on top, not mixed in, which kept them crunchy. The spiciness was just right for me, relatively hot. The sauce was nearly perfect, not too thick, nor too runny. I got the combo, so it came with Fried Rice and an extra Spring Roll. All delicious.

Wendy ordered one of the Chef’s Specials, the Dragon & Phoenix (“Crispy chicken and shrimp with vegetables.”) The chicken stayed crispy, the vegetables were light and crunchy, and nothing was overcooked. Clever use of Orange slices for separating the two parts of the dish. This one came with White Rice.

We were pleasantly surprised to be served a plate of artfully cyt Orange slices for dessert, on the house. On top of everything else, Panda Cafe really understands presentation. Even though it appears to be a rather modest little Chinese restaurant, every dish is very cleanly presented, and each one has some sort of unique little flourish.

Since our first visit was so positive, we had the opportunity to visit again a few days later on 17 May. That time I got the Crispy Chicken entree. It was excellent too! This sealed the deal as my new favorite Chinese restaurant! I encourage you to give them a try and support a local business!

BTW, here's a summary of all the Chinese restaurants I've reviewed so far (that are still in business):

• Panda Cafe (visited 14 & 17 May 2015 - this review)
• Chen’s Garden (visited 28 February 2013)
• Hunan Cafe (visited 4 April 2011)
• Mandarin Express (visited 28 February 2010)
• Wei's Garden (visited 8 January 2010)
• James Cafe (visited 25 November 2009)
• Jasmine (visited 25 April 2008, again on 12 November 2012 for the Sushi bar)
• Golden China (visited 5 April 2009)
• China King (visited 3 April 2009)
• Taipei Cafe (visited 18 April 2008)

Location: 707-F E. Market St., Leesburg, VA 20176, 703-777-5660

Web site: http://pandacafeleesburg.com/

Total bill: $29.73 + $10.00 tip = $39.73

#158: Pittsburgh Rick's

Date Visited: 1 May 2015

Meal: Dinner

Diners: Me, Wendy, Chris, Jennifer, Dwight, & Lisa

Experience: It was Leesburg First Friday, and some friends from church wanted to get together for dinner somewhere downtown. I mentioned that I hadn’t been to Pittsburgh Rick’s yet, and that settled it. I also heard that Pittsburgh Rick’s was truly authentic from some friends at work who are from Pittsburgh.

Although Pittsburgh Rick’s seems like a rather small, modest sandwich shop, the owner, Rick Allison, graduated from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA!), and has worked at some high-class restaurants. He started his first restaurant, The Dock at Lansdowne (since closed), and now Pittsburgh Rick’s, specializing in local Pittsburgh favorites.

The menu features a number of “Pittsburgh Style Sandwiches,” and for this visit, I ordered the “Pastrami & Cheese,” which is listed as the #1 best seller. Wendy got the “Pitts-Burgher & Cheese,” listed as the #2 best seller. The unique thing about these sandwiches is they all come topped with french fries, cole slaw, and tomatoes - yes, all IN the sandwich! It’s a unique experience all right, and you’ll just have to try one to understand. For dessert, we ordered an “Almost Famous Bread Pudding Cupcake” topped with Maple Applewood Bacon and salted Maple glaze (after finding out they didn’t have the Burnt Almond Torte anymore).

The complete menu includes starters (chili, soup of the day, wings), salads, sides (cole slaw, chips, fries), other desserts, a kid’s menu, and breakfast items. Pittsburgh Rick’s also does catering and has a Food Truck (I’ve spotted them in Reston) - check out their Facebook page for news.

We found Pittsburgh Rick’s to be fun and understated, with a uniquely tasty menu. We encourage you to support a local business and give them a try!

Location: 116 E. Market St., Leesburg, VA, 20176, 703-737-3700

Web site: http://pittsburghricks.com/

Total bill: $31.90