chain week
This week was especially chaotic and J was working non-stop. We didn’t have time to think about what and where to eat, so we went the chain route this week. If you’ve read the San Antonio Palate before, you know I am not a chain fan… but sometimes, it’s just so easy, you can’t resist. This week, I had Pei Wei take out when J was working late, and one night we went for drinks and burgers at the Yard House.
I loved Pei Wei in Houston. It was my standby busy night take out and they had these delicious spicy rice noodles. Here… I don’t know what they are doing. I thought the purpose of chains was to maintain consistency in taste and experience, but *barf* the Pei Wei at Huebner Oaks is yucky. I do have to say, though, that the take out line staff is very nice. Each time I’ve ordered, they always offer a drink of my choice while I wait. Very nice!
I ordered the truly awful Dan Dan Noodles which is described on the menu as “chile seared soy sauce, minced chicken, scallions, garlic, bean sprouts, cucumbers, egg noodles.” I don’t know where to even start on the problems with this dish, but I suppose the main issue was the noodles… which were a slimy, mushy hot mess. I also ordered the Spicy Korean which the menu says is “korean hot pepper sauce, garlic, white mushrooms, onions, carrots, long beans, toasted sesame seeds.” I ordered it with vegetables and tofu. This was much better than the Dan Dan Noodles in that it was edible. But, there was nothing spicy about this dish. Neither dish was worth taking a pic of, so here I’ve included links to http://www.peiwei.com’s pics. Dan Dan Noodles here and Spicy Korean here. My first clue not to order the Dan Dan Noodles should have been that pic. I will let you decide for yourself what that brown lumpy stuff looks like. Double ew.
best cherry limeade
On Thursday, we had to run to La Cantera for some last minute Xmas shopping while J had some free time. We ran over to Yard House for a quick bite and drink. Even though I could see the big cans of Sysco food product as I walked past the kitchen (big no-no), I still kinda like this place. The host was so friendly and chatty as he showed us to our seat, and our waitress was really attentive and sweet, even though it was the middle of happy hour rush on Thursday night. The highlight was definitely the Cherry Limeade drink which is made with skyy infusions cherry vodka, amaretto di saronno, sweet and sour, cherry, and fresh lime. This thing is delicious and dangerous. It tastes JUST like a virgin cherry limeade. Yum!! We both had burgers and fries which were solid, but not amazing.
Next time we have a chain week, Yard House will be on the list. Pei Wei, sadly not.
Pei Wei
Our rating:
| Atmosphere | 4.0 |
| Service | 6.0 |
| Food | 4.0 |
| Total | 4.7 |
I miss the Pei Wei on Buffalo Speedway in Houston. I long for the spicy rice noodles.
11267 Huebner Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78230
(210) 561-5600
Yard House
Our rating:
| Atmosphere | 6.0 |
| Service | 7.0 |
| Food | 6.0 |
| Total | 6.3 |
Friendly staff. Pretty crowded, especially on Thursday night. Yummy drinks, decent burgers.
15900 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 691-0033
The San Antonio Palate 
I work at that Pei Wei location. I’m sorry the food wasn’t up to your standards but I do thank you for the praise you gave towards the staff. I previously worked at a Houston location and continue to eat Pei Wei weekly (going on 6 years now). I, however, don’t see a difference in the dishes from store to store. Hopefully we can make it up to you next time!