As I write this, I can hear all my Asians friends in Portland (more like Beaverton/Gresham) screaming a big “I TOLD YOU SO!” But no matter how many times I’ve been told not to eat there, I still go. Where else in town can I get Black Pepper Chicken, Orange Chicken and Chow Mein in five minutes! Ultimately, I never thought it would happen to me. After my intense loyalty and defense of Panda Express food quality, I became a victim of food poisoning.
Let us hark back to the first time I ever tasted Panda Express’ Orange Chicken. It was back in college and probably, like many of us, began with a wicked hangover. A dorm mate suggested we try this light remedy he heard that others had enjoyed before him… it involved a thick, sweet, chicken-battered dumpling. One hit and I knew I found not only the best hangover cure, but the single best chicken food item ever. I became addicted. Since that point, I would never order anything other than chow mein, black pepper chicken and orange chicken. For ten years, spanning most of Oregon, Idaho, Washington and California, I would enjoy this rare combination of awesome.
On Sunday, November 16th at 5:30 pm, I decided to pick-up my favorite cuisine at 1933 W Burnside. My precious tasted the same, and I savored every piece. Life was perfect. Within two and a half hours my stomach started to churn… and… well… we know what happened after that. I felt like death.
Panda Express has always delivered to me a quality product. This last experience, I realized why their plastic To-go-bag is so sturdy. It was a terrible lesson in how a customer’s experience can turn from love to hate so quickly. So to all my Asian friends, yes, you told me so.
too bad food poisoning has an incubation period of 24-7 days typically. pussy.
Looking for affordable lunchtime cuisine close to my old job, I tried this place– horrible. Never again. I got a couple scoops of tasteless, greasy noodle-carb-stuff on a styrofoam plate– and that was after I practically had to beg the chatty counter staff for attention. The “meal” was only 5 or 6 bucks, but a drink added another $2 to my order, and pretty soon I was wishing I’d eaten at any number of places where $8 would have bought me a great lunch. This place was just luke warm noodle grease on rice. Awful.
I’ve eaten here several times and think the food is tasty. And I’ve never been sick. Never even had a touch of the farts. The service is great- they will not blink an eye at cooking up a fresh batch of veggies for you. This location and the one off 205 does the trick everytime! Tip: Order the orange chicken, mixed veggies, vegetale fried rice and the spring rolls.
DNNYDIRTY
Ha! I hate panda express. It’s bastardized chinese food. I found that the best hangover food cure is really spicy mongolian grill. Do it. You’ll thank me.