Stanford Shopping Center

Think Claim Jumper or Buca di Beppo size meals. The food is good and this location is great when they have live music, show tunes, opera, etc. Somewhat like a New York grill, American style cooking at its finest.

It surprises me that PF Changs draws such a crowd in a part of the world with so many restaurants one can avoid the chains. Of no surprise are the lines and waits in Phoenix, AZ or some other new metropolis without choice. It is, what it is. The food tends to be good and the atmosphere entertaining. This is ok for a nice dinner if you avoid the crowd by coming early or late. They have a new dish, a spicy chicken that rates their best on my list as the Kung Pao is lightly fried and not as fresh tasting and healthy as I'd like. Now prevalent lettuce wraps were practically invented here but in recent years they ruined them changing from a mountain of chicken to a pile supplemented with mushrooms. With all my criticism you'd think my 4 star is unfounded... I'm keeping the good parts a secret.

An outdoor, open air mall with some of the best gardeners in California. To shop in the spring and summer is like walking through a garden. The stores favor nicer brands without being overtly high end: Bose, Polo, Bloomingdales and Macy's, Sony, Victoria's Secret, etc. The restaurants are wonderful additions with a diner, Max's Opera House, Playa Grill Mexican, adding unique variety.