Quote:
Originally Posted by Z3guy
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  |
I would agree to a certain extent as I think typically people go to chains is for the consistency no matter what location you go to. Whether if the food is consistent or not, thats a different question.
And most of the times using chinese restaurants as an example, those are not chains. Yet it can be a hit or miss, I have been to Bamboo Grove in Richmond, and it has been the worst experience I had. Food was mediocre and service was poor, and in the end the waiter/owner came out to the open and ask for more tip compensation and when we refused we they go defensive and started to yell at us.
What I like about chains is that they have a corporate image to uphold. But with these hole in the wall places is a hit or miss for me.