First Look: P.F. Chang’s, the first Canadian location of a popular Chinese-food chain

By Karolyne Ellacott

Seared ahi tuna with wasabi-ponzu sauce and mixed greens (Images: Karolyne Ellacott)

Making its first foray into Canadian waters, American chain P.F. Chang’s has set up camp amidst the shopping and dining options at Shops at Don Mills. Serving up its signature Chinese food in an upscale casual setting, this eatery is perhaps best known for its lettuce wraps, previously only available by venturing south. We got a sneak peak inside the restaurant, which officially opened today.

P.F. Chang’s dates back to 1993, and the menu, we’re told, has changed little since then. Co-founder Philip Chiang grew up in the world of restaurants: his mother opened The Mandarin in Beverly Hills (which, we were assured, is not associated with the Canadian stoner fave), and later, Chiang wished to introduce more casual Chinese fare to America at large.

Following 225 renditions — including outposts in Kuwait, the Philippines and Puerto Rico — and puppy-dog eyes aplenty from us Northerners, the move to Canada was deemed a necessity. Seating around 300, the expansive space includes both indoor and outdoor seating areas. The atmosphere is both comfortable and polished — though we’d be lying if we said it was pushing the boundaries of interior design.

Citing inspiration from five regions of Asia — including Shanghai, Sichuan and Mongolia — an extensive menu offers up comforting food that isn’t unfamiliar to the cultured palates of Torontonians.

Keeping the focus on family-friendly sharing platters, highlights include the aforementioned chicken lettuce wraps ($10) and the seared ahi tuna wasabi salad (pictured above, $16). Most of the kitchen’s work lies in the food prep; mains — such as the Mongolian beef ($19) — are tossed in piping hot woks and are made to order.

For the more sensitive diners amongst us, P.F. Chang’s is also able to translate most items into both vegetarian and gluten-free versions, but for the meat-eaters, we were unable to unearth exactly where the meat is sourced.

We can, however, assure you that while this is the first Canadian location, it is not the last.