An ‘Express’ you don’t want to miss

Dear Readers,

This month’s column is about an incredible restaurant business, Panda Express, that opened in Lubbock 12 years ago and now boasts 3 Lubbock locations. Daughter and I recently ordered some of their incredible “entrees.”

What is incredible, you ask? The amazing story begins with the Chinese born Master Chef, Ming Tsai Cherng and his son, Andrew. Both emigrated to the USA and opened their first Panda restaurant in 1973 in Pasadena, California. Andrew met his wife, Peggy, at Baker University in Kansas. She later entered the business in 1982, and as they say, “the rest is history.”

Today, Panda Express has 2,200 locations and is still family owned. Besides the USA, they have restaurants in several foreign countries! Can you believe it?

We looked up the history of Panda Express on Wikipedia and there are nine pages of interesting facts concerning their success story.

Now, to critique the fabulous food we’ve experienced over the past few months. Their extensive menu con- sists of 3 appetizer choices, several beverages, and yes, even a kids’ meal selection – also, 14 entrees and 4 sides. Those 4 sides are chow mein, fried rice, white steamed rice, and super greens, usually broccoli.

To make your own order, first choose 1 or more sides, then add your preference of an entrée. The categories of these orders are: bowl, plate, bigger plate, or family meal. The possible selections are unlimited.

Our favorite, you ask? Our #1 side selection is the chow mein, our #2 side selection is the super greens, #3 selection of entrée is the mushroom chicken. This selection has succulent and tender chunks of chicken, large mushroom slices, and cubed fresh zucchini. Everything is always delicious and always consistent.

Note: added to the Chow Mein are a variety of crispy veggies – celery, cabbage slices, etc. – so, so, yummy. The sauce for all is OOTW.

Any item on their large menu can be ordered a la carte. Panda Express can also cater your next event, but a minimum of 12 orders is required. There are 3 Panda locations in Lubbock: 6311 82nd St. #2, 806783-0253

The second mouse gets the cheese. Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

If you loan someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

11411 Quaker Ave., 806-783-0280

313 University Ave., 806-744-1999

For more information,

Panda Express.com Until next month –Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms and Grandmas! Cathy Easter