Beautiful fried rice bowl at Pei Wei in 4S Ranch! Sadly, this was the last meal I enjoyed here as this location recently closed. Most fitting since the fried rice bowls were my favorite here. Maybe someday I’ll find another Pei Wei in SoCal to replace them. Unlikely though considering only two left in San Diego and both nearly an hour away from me.
“Japanese Steak & Shrimp Chile Ramen” at Pei Wei in 4S Ranch. I was expecting something in more of a broth type deal but it was still tasty. This location has reportedly closed and I can’t say that I’m surprised. For about the last year I’ve noticed what seemed like a new owner or franchisee and the place just slid downhill like it was on a log flume ride. It’s sad though because it was once a regular spot for me and very close to my office.
Outstanding Pad Thai at Pei Wei in 4S Ranch! As long as you omit the tofu that is. The consistency is still somewhat loose compared to legit Thai restaurants though.
Outstanding fried rice with beautifully wok-seared flank steak! I love many dishes at Pei Wei but this one is definitely my favorite.
Outstanding dinner recently at Pinto Thai! Crab Fried Rice for $13.99. Made with fried jasmine rice, fresh crab meat, egg, green & white onions, peas, carrots and tomatoes in their special sauce. I’m not exactly sure what was “special” about the sauce, but it was a very good fried rice dish.
This one did not have the traditional up front soy sauce flavor, it was more delicate and subdued. It did however have a great spicy note with unique, herbaceous and fresh tasting flavors. The consistency was on the drier side compared to most fried rice dishes I’ve had. You’ll find a liberal amount of crab throughout, although no lump meat! It mostly consisted of smaller bits of a more institutional, foodservice grade quality of crab. Fairly conservative amount of egg and green onion. Would have benefitted from more. For those of you who love cucs, Pinto garnishes most of their plates with several thick slices of cucumber. Acts as a nice cooling agent when you have a spicy dish.
This was a huge serving that could have been easily shared by two. I ate most of it and I’m pleased to report that it did not leave me feeling all bloated afterwards.
Outstanding Pad Thai at Pinto Thai in Ramona! Some of the best you’ll find in SoCal. Particularly good combination style, made with beef, chicken, pork and shrimp.
One of the best places for lunch specials in Rancho Bernardo is Charm Thai Kitchen. And not just my favorite for Thai food, but an all around great restaurant. It also helps that they’re in a shopping center with one of the least jacked up parking lots in RB during the lunch rush. My favorite thing to order at CTK is the Pad Thai. They always make it with the perfect balance of sweet, sour and spicy!
My favorite Thai restaurant in Escondido is Panya Thai Kitchen! Here’s an outstanding dinner order of their excellent Pad Thai. I ordered this one with shrimp. The shrimps were abundant and perfectly cooked.
Food Observations 