P.F. Chang's New Dining Experience Will Take You To Tokyo

What do you expect from P.F. Chang’s? Orange chicken? Probably. A menu that rotates and updates fairly regularly? Sure. A frozen line? Oh, you bet. But…fine dining? Not to hate on the chain, but that’s not exactly what it’s going for – so no, that’s not high on the priority list.

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This summer, though. P.F. Chang’s is looking to change that. Why? Well, we can’t quite figure it out. Regardless, its new Sushi Boat Dining Experience is here, and it’s a bit of a showstopper. Let’s break it down.

P.F. Chang’s Summer In Tokyo

P.F. Chang’s has just announced its Summer In Tokyo dining experience, and the idea is that it transports you to Japan’s capital city and its culinary scene. In a press statement, the chain’s CEO Jim Mazany stated that the Summer In Tokyo concept “is designed to capture the taste and energy that makes Tokyo one of the world’s most exciting dining destinations,” and the vibe, essentially, is that you can get a fine dining experience at participating restaurants.

What does that look like? Well, P.F. Chang’s is offering “new sushi creations, hand rolls, specialty cocktails and chef-crafted dishes,” including NY Prime Strip Steak Tataki, Oolong Chilean Sea Bass, Lobster & Prawn Fried Rice, and Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice. The centerpiece of the whole thing is the Sushi Boat, a sharing plate (well, a sharing boat), which has chilled edamame, one California Roll, one Shrimp Tempura Roll, and either Spicy Tuna, Dynamite Shrimp, or Kung Pao rolls (you get a choice of two there). Finish it off with a Paper Crane cocktail or Sapporo Lager. This all feels like a step up for P.F. Chang’s, and it’s cool to see the restaurant taking a big ol’ punt with this boat.

All Aboard

Speaking of boats! To promote Summer In Tokyo, P.F. Chang’s has recruited “Below Deck” yachties Captain Sandy Yawn and Aesha Scott to put their names behind the concept. It might sound like an odd move, but the pieces start to fall into place after a second there. Boats? Check. Luxury experiences? Check. Smart.

If you want to dine like Yawn and Scott, you have from June 25 through September 15 to do so. Summer In Tokyo really is running all summer. Just check that your local P.F. Chang’s is offering it before you rock up, though; certain locations aren’t running the offer, including (and this might be expected) its airport locations.