Price Per Person: $20-$30*

Kid-Friendly Perks: Kid menu, high chairs

Blue Plate Special: Intensely flavored and unusual Chinese fare, including Cantonese duck, orange peel chicken, Mongolian beef and the very Great Wall of Chocolate.

The Dish: P.F. Chang's -- the brainchild of Paul Fleming, executed by cuisine expert Philip Chang -- first opened its doors in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1993. Fleming sought elegance and innovation, authenticity and exploration -- none of it easy in a chain restaurant. But he succeeded: His China Bistro is a Hot Concept winner, as well as Best Chinese Restaurant Award Winner. Chang's fiery stir-fried spicy chicken is a new take on General Tao's, and VIP Cantonese chicken mimics Peking duck preparation. Honey shrimp are battered and crispy, and stir-fried Cantonese scallops or shrimp are seasoned with garlic and yellow chives. Mongolian Beef is quickly cooked with scallions and garlic. Wines compliment your entree choices.

The Atmosphere: Although "elegant" is rarely a word used to describe chain restaurants, P.F. Chang's hits the bulls-eye. Gracious, inviting and innovative, P.F. Chang's offers a mysteriously haunting and glamorous dining setting, accented by pieces from the Ming and T'ang dynasties. Hand-painted murals and low lighting complete the mood. In some areas of the country, Fleming has instituted Pei Wei Asian Diner, the quick and more casual eating experience. But true fans will remain loyal to P.F. Chang's original vision.
-- Tracey E. Meloni

*Price Per Person includes entree, drink & dessert