I hear the song Gangnam style each time I say the name of this restaurant.
We went here on a Monday since we were jet lagged, our first pick was closed for holiday and this place was near our Airbnb so we gave it a try. We came in, left because my partner was a bit sketched out, talked about it then went back in...and are happy we did.
Panda Style is packed with crap (some of it cool like a Chinese zither and framed art, some that made you think the proprietor might be living there, like luggage) and has limited seating. It's dirty, like... "water deposits on the carafes, greasy black finger prints on the only hot sauce crock and even greasier black handles on the door" kind of dirty....but it was worth enduring.
The specials were circled on the chalk board (don't try to order the non-circled dishes) all in cursive. Two of our group ordered salads; the aubergine (eggplant) and a black mushroom. Both were served hot in a silky brown sauce with some lovely greens, herbs and onions. We each got a soup dumpling bowl. One chicken and veggie combo, one all pork and one beef m-pork-chicken-veggie-combo. Each small soup (at least 20 ounces-not really small) came with 12 handmade dumplings in a savory yet acidic broth (a touch too vinegary for me but I still enjoyed it immensely) crispy seaweed, tasty tiny dried shrimp (not fishy), some fresh veggies and cilantro. Tasty dirty crock chili oil was on the table to spice up if desired. Be aware that you might have to pass it to the table next to you. I ordered a hot tea which was served loose in a glass of hot water, it was a soft whole leaf green jasmine of high quality. Everything was absolutely delicious, prepared with time and heart and was only 29 euros. Do not ignore this little gem ran by a quiet hard working young woman.
I will crave this place many times on cold bleak Colorado and Nebraska nights. read more