[BarTopDancer]

I have what I like to call "Vegas rules" (because the "rule" started on my first real trip to Vegas) when it comes to food. If I can eat at the restaurant at home I will do my best to not eat at it while on vacation. I enjoy the Cheesecake Factory, PF Changs, Mimis, Islands and BJs pizza (kevy!) while at home. I don't think chain restaurants are inherently evil. My seafood standards are ridiculously high and I doubt I would like Bubba Gumps. And if I was an unfamiliar area where the restaurants looked shady then I would probably seek out a chain. I prefer non-chain restaurants to chain but there is something to be said for consistency and comfort of knowing what you are going to be getting food and service wise.

MW, I don't think your choice to seek out familiar restaurants is "retarded" (oh how I hate that word) for the reasons you need them (picky family). When I go to SF and hopefully stop in Monterey I hope to not eat at the same places we can eat at while at home. But if we do it won't ruin my trip.