Chocolate wands fried in spring-roll wrap, with caramel dipping sauce, on a plate spread fetchingly with toffee crumbles, can't really be anyone's idea of Chinese food. The Lucky 8, as it is called, is a new dessert item, consistent with the inventive twists on traditional Chinese ingredients that characterize P.F. Chang's menu. Diners used to ordering, say, egg foo young will find bracingly healthier options including shrimp with lobster sauce at only 22 carbs and 560 calories. The lettuce wraps are a must. Arrive early for cocktails in the circular bar under a pastoral mural painted in a Chinese modernist style. Contemporary, trendy, friendly, with memorable dishes and excellent service, no question. But it's not Chinese.
Runners up:
2. Guilin Healthy Chinese Restaurant, 3250 E. Speedway Blvd., 320-7768
3. Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant, Various locations, www.goldendragonrest.com