If you want good ethnic food, find out where they eat. Panda Inn is popular with local Chinese, and for good reason. The trick for Americans is to know what to order. First, ask for the Chinese menu - otherwise you will get the lame ""americanized"" standards (General Tso's, Sweet&Sour Pork, Orange Shrimp, etc.).\r
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SOME THINGS NOT TO MISS:\r
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Soup: Fujianese Dumpling Soup (a favorite in owner's hometown - you will never eat wonton again)\r
Appetizer: Chive Dumplings (split the top and drizzle with the vinegar juice that comes with it)\r
Vegetable: Order greens sauteed with garlic (ask the server what is fresh today - Chinese Water Cress, Tender Pea Vines, or Chinese Broccoli (very mild - and very different from American broccoli)\r
Fish: Flounder Paradise (flounder wrapped around scallions and crab meat)\r
...or for Spicy Fish: fried Szechuan fish\r
Something Different?: Tender Spicy Bamboo (sauteed with jalapenos)\r
Something Really Different: Three Cup Squid (we always order this with wary newbies who then proceed to devour it with delight - delicious)\r
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Want something REALLY spicy? Order a bowl of fish served in Szechuan peppercorn broth. Eat the fish on rice. Don't mess with the peppercorns, though, unless you don't mind a numb tongue.\r
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A couple of writers said they had ""intestinal discomfort."" My wife and I have been going twice a month for 6 years and have never had a bad experience.
Pros: Authentic Chinese food; all Chinese staff
Cons: Some servers don't speak great English so may seem taciturn - but they are just quiet
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