Peter Cheng's Tasty Ii

Mudpudles

Joined 8 years ago

This was our first visit to Peter Chang's Tasty China II, but most certainly won't be our last. The food was extraordinary; however, I unfortunately have to give a lower rating due to the service.

First, I should point out that we were only a party of three. We started with what they call a "snack". Two of my party ordered soup (egg drop and Sweet & Sour) and I ordered the 'Scallion Bubble Pancake with Curry sauce'. Regrettably, I didn't take a photo of the pancake, but it most certainly fits its name.

The pancake is very thin and is blown up like a puffy airy "bubble" accompanied by a beautifully fragrant and tasty light green curry dipping sauce; however, and this is a BIG HOWEVER, they brought each soup (which literally is a ladle of soup from the pot into the bowl right?) and served it before my bubble!! I also must mention that each cup of soup came one at a time as well!! I sat there without my 'snack' for about 5 minutes while their soup was getting cold! I forced them to eat while I sat there with nothing. :( I am not exaggerating when I say it was five minutes.

This is completely unacceptable. A scoop of soup--into two bowls--could and should have waited for my 'bubble' to finish cooking and all three snacks would then come out at the same time, as what typically happens at most restaurants.

Regrettably, the SAME problem came with our dinners. My father's meal was the first to arrive. Ten (yes, I said 10) minutes later before my meal. All meals came out one meal at a time. My father was forced to start eating, as his food was getting cold! I've never experienced this before.

I'm not saying that all meals at restaurants should always come out together; closely together yes, but it seemed they (the kitchen) worked on one meal, snack, appetizer, and what-have-you one at a time--no matter what. And let me remind you that this isn't a cheap restaurant! Meals range from $18.00 to $28.00 dollars which do not include snacks and drinks! This seems to be a kitchen issue and should be corrected immediately by management.

Second, we had a reserved window seat which overlooks the river; however, there was no lighting outside to enjoy it. We had a 6:30PM reservation and it was completely dark which leaves us with no use for the reserved window seating.

I would recommend to management to place some type outdoor lighting (torches) so their guests can enjoy the view.

One should know that this restaurant is not truly on the river. Ray's on the River (two blocks down) is on the river, but even Ray's has lighting so you can see it.

Peter Chang's is a 'run off' of that river, but has a lake type view--if full. When the river isn't quite flowing, you don't have to turn the lighting on. In my opinion, it would set a romantic atmosphere for their quests, as with Ray's.

They have a wonderful outdoor patio with outdoor seating which is a great plus - and I was told is dog-friendly!!

Last is a WARNING! If you are not one for "heat", as in hot food, then make sure to closely read the description of each meal. Stay far, FAR away from anything with the hot chili pepper icon on the menu. Read closely the ingredients! BEWARE...if it say's it's hot...IT IS FREAKING FLAMING!

**I want to say that even with the heat, the flavor still manages to shine through. Normally heat is just overshadowing, but the food here is so wonderful, whether it burns the next morning or not and if you can handle that, then it's worth the try!

I'm sure the chef will tone it down for you, if asked, and you may want to do so if you are weary. IT IS HOT!!

Returning customer? YES--absolutely!!

* I had the 'Garlic Fish in Clay Hot'.

* My dad had the 'Jianghu Duck'.

* My husband had the 'Bamboo Fish' IT WAS HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

Recommends

GTdesertkarma

Joined 4 years ago

This place is absolutely fabulous. This is authentic chinese food from a host of different regions. I am an avid patron of gourmet food, and usually willing to spend to go out. Peter Cheng's is amazing because you combine great food, great ambiance, and very reasonable prices.

Ambience: Clean, white table cloths, ample space between tables, great for dinner with friends or a date. A number of tables over look full wall windows which look over the river.

Food: The previous review is obviously by someone who appreciates fast-food chinese. This food matches and surpasses the chinese food you will find in few remaining Chinese establishments off Buford Highway (that "Chinatown" is dominated by Vietnamese and Korean offerings). The meats/fowl/fish are extremely fresh, the vegetables are always crunchy. What is amazing is the variety of cooking methods (sizzling, stir-fry, stew, clay pot, and grill) combined with the different recipes and of course, any meal can be Shrimp, Chicken, Beef, or Fish. After three pages of chinese specialities and local dishes, there is a full page reserved for "American Chinese Dishes". Warning: Do not be bashful about requesting for the spice levels to be reduced.

Full bar with specialty cocktails, wine, beer, and liquor.

Final comment: I went to GT but now reside in Savannah, GA. Every time I drive back to see my family and friends, will eat here on the Friday night. I will then order an extra 4+ entrees and take it back with me... and I can cook chinese food. This place qualifies as an Atlantan gem.

Doesn't Recommend

Game Ball

Joined 2 years ago

Complete Disappointment. We are veterans of Asian cuisine and were drawn there by a Groupon offer. We found the food average. In fact, we've had better Chinese at more than a dozen other Chinese restaurants around Atlanta.

To make matters worse, they wouldn't honor the Groupon offer saying that if they accepted all of them, they would go under. They said we could only use it between 2-5. I mean, who eats between 2 and 5? The owner was rude and had no business sense. In the hundreds of times we've dined in Atlanta restaurants, we've never had an experience this bad with an owner who had no clue about customer service. Given your business to a restaurant who appreciates the people who make the effort to walk in the door!