The Restaurant Concepts I Wish Existed
thoughts on Bon Appetit's latest drama, my favorite Valentine's chocolates, and more
I can’t stop thinking about this meal I had at Panda Inn in Pasadena the other week. The parent restaurant, from which Panda Express originated, recently underwent renovations, and reopened as my favorite category of restaurant: suburban-but-good.
The seating is comfortable and vast, and though the room was filled with many large parties, the noise levels were perfectly pleasant. The lychee martini was kitschy and fun, but balanced and not overly sweet. The honey walnut shrimp tempura roll sounded like stunt food but was brilliant. The portion sizes of all the entrees were comfortingly midwestern. White chocolate-dipped fortune cookies for dessert.
Perhaps, most excitingly, there is an entire (and free) parking garage right next to the restaurant. Also! Large groups get tables or private rooms with lazy susans in the middle — my favorite way of sharing food.
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Today’s newsletter will cover:
My favorite Valentine’s Day chocolates
My thoughts on the Bon Appetit vs Wishbone Kitchen drama
Why I am obsessed with the Muji Cafe
The cheapest and slightly unexpected source for Swedish gummies
The wildest way to keep your salad greens fresh
5 restaurant concepts I wish existed