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Having a sitter, the wife and I ventured to the west side/Middleton where we knew we could find a chain/franchise restaurant we haven’t been to yet that we couldn’t sanely do with a toddler and a baby. We ended up at P.F. Chang’s.

At first impression, it was classier than I imagined it would be, especially after walking between the two giant Xi’an’s Terracotta Army replica statues, which kind of set me up for a different, sillier experience. Instead we were refreshed to be seated in a comfortable booth under warm lighting, in a warmer, softer, respectfully quiet, but still lively, more up-classed environment than expected. The only drawback to the booths though, was that they are raised, and a little on-display. I hate being on display. I’m more of a chill, slouch, drink beer, and not worry about my presentation kind of guy. I like concealed, corner booths. Throwing caution aside I slid in and cuddled close with my lovely wife, ordered a Capital Maibock and examined a menu filled with new potential experiences.

Our server was extremely helpful, made recommendations when asked, and was clearly knowledgeable about the menu. She convinced us to get started with the popular lettuce wraps. We opted for tofu. Now, my experience with tofu can be described as what I would think eating a tasteless sponge would be like, but that’s probably more of a reflection on the few places I’ve tried it, and how it was prepared. I’ve almost grown to detest the stuff, but figured I would give it one last chance. I can’t say I’m disappointed I did. My opinion is right back to being based on who, and how it is prepared. It was good, darn good, and the lettuce wraps, which I’ve never had before, were pretty awesome. I could have filled up on those, but I am glad I didn’t.

My Capital Brewery Maibock, served in a tall flute glass, was downright delicious. I’m a bit of a “beerhead”, and even an entry-level home brewer, but I don’t have a beer blog (yet), so a quick note on tasty beers might become common, but I promise to keep them short. If you are interested in beer, and you’re local, I strongly recommend checking out the Madison Beer Review blog. I’ve been enjoying it for a while now. Anyway, I believe it or not, have never had a Maibock from Capital Brewery. Boy have I been missing out. For a clear, light amber colored beer, it provides a sweet, malty, full body, but not too syrupy. It is in fact, crisp, and light. I give it an “A”, and it moves immediately into my top-10, and into my refrigerator.

Back to dinner; we shared Chicken over Black Bean Sauce, and Kung Pao Scallops, with a side of Garlic Snap Peas, over white rice (me), and brown rice (wife). Everything was fabulous. The scallops were really tender, and not rubbery like you’ll get at a cheap buffet, and the chicken was of the highest quality, and the sauce on it was amazing. The snap peas were fresh to boat. The only complaint I had about the food was that my white rice wasn’t sticky. I like my white rice to have a rib-sticking consistency, and I always assumed that was how it was supposed to be, but I could obviously be wrong there. I had trouble picking it up with my chopsticks, which I’m fairly good at operating, because it fell apart too easily. The dinner experience as a whole was very good. We were talking about how good the lettuce wraps, chicken, and scallops were for a good chunk of the ride home.

Service was good, food was great, and with a seasonal beer, soda, appetizer, two entrees, and a small side, I was set back about $54 after tax and tip, which compared to my last few $50+ meals, was money very well spent.

First I would like to make it clear that I am a big fan of Laredo’s east on Lien Road. I eat lunch there almost weekly with colleagues. We have chosen to do so for a number of reasons; 1) service, 2) affordability, 3) food, and 4) proximity.

Today we had to take a late lunch (1:30ish), which is a strong factor in where to go, because we might be more likely to try something that is normally very busy during the normal lunch hour. However, we decided on Laredo’s anyway, because I carried a coupon.

One thing you don’t have to do a lot of when you’re a regular at Laredo’s, is ask for much. In choreographed dance, you are seated and served with chips and your beverage, by 3 different people. Soon after orders are taken, glasses are swept up and returned full, and swiftly, chips and salsa are restocked at the almost immediate indication that they are going to be consumed, and we’re often even asked if more tortillas are needed for the scraps before the ones we have are even gone. They shuffle people in and out of there very quickly, sensitive to the folks that need to get back to work. Sometimes the line to pay gets a little lengthy though.

I’m partial to Chorizo, I could eat the stuff daily, but when I feel like being different, I often eat the lunch fajitas (chicken today), which comes piled on in a way that is clearly too much food to eat for lunch. I stuffed myself clear to the gills and I was still no member of the clean plate club today. I couldn’t hang on to the tortilla to fill it up it came so hot. The chicken and other mixings were just as fresh, hot, and tasty as usual. I just love the food at this joint, and for a hair over 9 bucks (soda & tax included), not too pricey, especially for a sit-down joint with nearly flawless service, and and good, hot food. In my several dozen trips, only once did they seem to screw up our order, and that was due to a new, down computer system (I think), which only caused delay, but not a mixup.

Simply put, give Laredo’s a shot if you haven’t. It’s easily the best Mexican choice on the east side, it’s fast, it’s cheap, the service is really awesome, and a pitching wedge from E. Washington Ave., it’s easily accessible from almost anywhere east of the Isthmus.