Our longtime readers will remember that I made a bit of a tradition with the kiddos to find delicious chinese food around town when dadlando was traveling on business. Much to my delight, after a while the kids started asking to go out to chinese food even when dad was home and it’s now a regular part of rotation when we’re going out to eat. Also, kid descriptions are just the best… Can we go to the place that has the yummy food and cookies with paper in them for dessert? Ahh yes, that one! You got it kids.
When Panda Express invited us in for a visit we were thrilled to take the kids. Fast, casual, and delicious are top tier priorities when we’re with our little diners. They have several locations throughout Central Florida including one just a few blocks from our house!
For the kids, I ordered a ‘plate’ which came with two entrees and a side dish. We chose Beijing beef and orange chicken with a side of chow mein noodles. There was so much food! More than enough for both kids and some for mom and dad to steal a few bites. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the kiddos thoroughly enjoy their food. Dadlando got a plate as well with sweet fire chicken breast and grilled teriyaki chicken with a side of fried rice. The grilled teriyaki was especially delicious.
I got a ‘bowl’ which came with one entree and one side dish. It was the perfect amount of food for me to eat and still sample the rest of the family’s plates. That’s the mom tax after all! Panda Express just introduced an American Chinese original Firecracker Shrimp, which I couldn’t wait to try. The shrimp had bold and loud flavors that capture the spirit of the festivities. The dish features hand-chopped red and yellow bell peppers, onions, string beans, whole dried chilis, and large, succulent shrimp, wok-tossed in a savory black bean sauce. Everything tasted so fresh and crispy, the dish exceeded my expectations.
Of course, as the kiddos love to remind us ‘We need the cookies with the paper in them!’ and so we finished our meal with fortune cookies. They’re always fun to read aloud and hear each other’s superstitions on how fortunes work. Dadlando believes you can’t take the paper with you or your fortune won’t come true. These days I’m just focused on ensuring the kids eat the cookie only and not the paper!
We’re looking forward to our next Panda Express visit and want you to check them out too. Head over to our Instagram for a $25 Panda Express gift card giveaway. Your next meal out could be on us!
