Hipnology at P.F. Chang's

Sometimes you head out for what you think will be just another blogger dinner and it turns out to be filled with really cool people and ideas. I love following new trends as they begin to take effect. Take this wine box, for example. It is not only ecologically correct but it also leaves no trace of oxidation.

In the world of Chinese numerology, 518 means "I will prosper."
P.F. Chang's introduced last week their new handcrafted wines under the label, VINEYARD 518. The good fortune of these wines is no accident. They worked with Wattle Creek Winery, a family-owned estate using fruit from the Yorkville Highlands appellation in Mendocino, a high altitude, coastal growing region that offers full varietal expression as well as crisp, refreshing balance.

The 10-liter recyclable container holds more wine than an entire case of bottles. The lighter packaging, approximately half the weight of a traditional case of wine, reduces the carbon footprint during the shipping process, making it a more environmentally-conscious product. The box itself is created from post-consumer cardboard and both the plastic bag insert and box are fully recyclable.

So, P.F. Chang's invited us to a dinner on May 18 to toast their new Vineyard 518 wine at exactly 5:18 PM. We clinked glasses and ushered in their new Sauvignon Blanc in style then headed upstairs for endless plates of great food and meticulous service. I had never dined here before. By 7:00 PM the place was absolutely packed with an international crowd of foodies. On a Tuesday night!


Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Orange Peel Chicken, very well matched with the Sauvignon Blanc.

The Sauvignon Blanc taste profile is white peach and orange blossom with touches of herbal character. Orange and lemon flavors unfold with crisp grassy notes and tight acidity.

You can order the wine by the half glass, full glass, half carafe or full carafe. Quite the ingenious option. They are the first restaurant chain to develop and produce their own brand of wine, only available to the public, for now, at their restaurants. VINEYARD 518 wines will be offered in a range of serving sizes, including: ½ glass ($4.50), glass ($7.50) and ½ carafe ($15.50). (Price may vary by location). Why didn't someone think of this before?


Wine poured for the first course.


VIP Duck and Mongolian beef. Perfect with the bolder Syrah Blend.

The Syrah Blend taste profile: rich dark fruit with hints of black pepper and spice. Small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel increase the overall complexity of the wine.


Hunan Pork in plum sauce with steamed pea pods.


Crispy Chicken with wilted scallion.


The Wall of Cake and shots of Carrot Cake and Red Velvet Cake.

While the Wall Of Cake was dense and rich we preferred the smaller "shots" of cake which both had a an excellent cream cheese frosting.

P. F. Chang's
Prudential Center
800 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02199
Telephone: (617) 378-9961