Some chains are just godawful. Chili's comes to mind, and Applebee's is not far behind. Plus, if health is a concern--and by health I mean fat and calories, not food poisoning--chains are probably your worst bet because the portions tend to be enormous and their sauces are almost certainly full of sugar. Of course, I think that can be said about most places along the Monterey pier since they've decided that their touristy clientele like that kind of thing.

Another reason I dislike them is that a number of the newer, larger locations, particularly those at malls, are about as pleasant to be in as being stuck in traffic on the 405. I realize that many tendy urban restaurants are designed to magnify the din and create the illusion of buzz. I don't especially like this either, but somehow it's better than being somewhere that seems to say, "We're great because we're noisy, and we're noisy because we're large."

Nothing wrong with familiarity and trust. On the other hand, I remember watching my erstwhile favorite bakery--which served better coffee and better desserts--languishing empty on the morning of the Butter and Egg Day parade while the line spilled out the door of the Starbuck's down the street. This was particularly ironic since the parade was supposed to be celebrating local ag. business.

I recognize that I have conflicting opinions in these areas. On the whole I feel the country was healthier when people went out to local restaurants on a Saturday night and then all sat down to watch the CBS television lineup.

I personally run hot and cold on the chains - sometimes I like them and sometimes I don't. I don't have the time to research restaurants, so sometimes I prefer to go with what I know.

Also, I am wary of where to get reliable info on restaurants. For example, when traveling, I often ask the hotel concierge, bellman, or front desk for recommendations. If they whip out a coupon and sign or initial it, I usually disregard it, preferring to take my chances elsewhere. Call it the pessimist in me, but this has proven to be bad in the past.

Also, how these same people respond is a good indicator. When they start asking me what I prefer (beyond the basic American, Italian, Chinese, etc. - do I prefer Northern Italian or Sicilian, am I looking for quiet or more of a party atmosphere, etc.), and when their recommendation includes, "this place isn't for everyone", I often pay more attention.

I will admit that I am bad about trying out new places. Even though 9 times out of 10, I enjoy the new place.

No such thing.

Well, for me, sometimes food is food. When I be hungry, I eats. If it's at a chain restaurant, fine. If not, fine. :)

I will say, though, that if I get a recommendation about a non-chain restaurant from a friend or family member, I am more likely to try it. ie. There are a few places that NA and the Euromonkey have recommended on the 2nd St Promenade in Long Beach that I most likely would not have tried on my own.

In fact, there are several hole-in-the-wall places where recommendations made me try them. But, from their appearance, I probably would never have ventured in on my own.

But this all stems from a discussion of whether one should eat at a Bubba Gumps near Disneyland. Not everyone can afford a Napa Rose type meal - would you say that Bubba Gumps could at least rank slightly higher than, say, Village Haus?

Everything ranks better than Village Haus.
:D

Well, I just fired off a letter to the Napa Rose. I know everyone can have an off night, I know. But this was just not their night, and sadly I was there to be a part of it. :(

I try to avoid chains as much as possible if only on principle. I like to support independently owned restaurants because I think they are a dying breed. Long Beach has a great collection of wonderful independent restaurants that I frequent as much as possible. One of my biggest disappointments in the city is that ALL of the restaurants in the newish Pike area are chains. It doesn't make it much of a destination for me - but I suppose conventioneers may like the familiarity. Still, it pisses me off that what could've been a great destination for both locals and conventioneers was blanded down to something that can be found anywhere.

I used to have the same feeling about independently owned bookstores, but most of those have gone out of business due to the monster chains that have infected every shopping area.

I have a few exceptions to my "independent" rule. Bookstores have become a necessity, but I still shop at an independent music store. I refuse to set foot in a Walmart, Kmart or Costco but I do go to Target. I will eat at SuperMex which is now a chain and I've eaten at Patina restaurants. I also frequent Peet's. PF Changs is probably the only chain restaurant I will willingly eat at.

I celebrate unique, different, independent as well as delicious as much as I can. I'm afraid that, if I don't, all choice will be lost to me and my life will become as bland as a day in Stepford.

That crepe place in Long Beach was good.

Well, the price range is $10-$20 for entrees. Not exactly an economy meal.

But anything is better than Village Haus (at least based on the last time I went there).

Its been discussed ad nauseum the significant differences between eating in the park vs. outside.

Oh boy, it sure was good!

I do like LB, a lot!