Going out to dinner at a nice independent restaurant (no joeys, cactus, earls, Keg) is a treat. Especially when you know the owner operator is involved in the daily business. It is his/her baby and a reflection of their personality. I personally think chain restaurants are a rip off. You get generic food that a monkey can prepare and they charge you premium pricing. IMHO, I look at "real" trained chefs like artists, their canvas happens to be food. Some of my most memorable experiences are over a nice dinner with family and friends. Could be a hole in the wall Chinese restaurant or at Joe Fortes. Their is something that is really kool about sharing a great dining experience with people you care about it. The meaning of good value is different for everyone, for me, having a great dining experience is one of life's great joys
