P.F. Chang's is probably best for dining with a small group. The restaurant is routinely both lively and crowded. Don't come here expecting intimacy. It's upbeat and the food is served "family style." Two appetizers -- the lettuce wrap and the shrimp -- and the Mongolian beef entrée are generally considered the best P.F. Chang's has to offer. I look forward to ordering all three of those dishes. Overall, the quality is excellent and there's a big enough menu sure to appeal to just about anyone. Would be wise to call ahead to make a reservation as you otherwise might end up waiting at the bar for a painstakingly long half-hour or more. The restaurant straddles Aventura's southern border with North Miami Beach, but you won't find much of an "Aventura" crowd here. A good thing? Probably so. P.F. Chang's also is a great Happy Hour spot, from 3pm until 6pm, as there is a very long list of drink specials, including $3 imported beers and more than a dozen mind-bending other cocktails, the best of which is the green apple martini, for $6. To complement those libations, there is a phenomenal Dim Sum selection that is also heavily discounted during Happy Hour.

- Written by Thomas Mallon
February 1, 2011