Can I expand the discussion a little and say that I believe that it is possible to get a good meal at a chain restaurant. No, it probably won't be "authentic XXXian", but I can still like it and admit it. Flyertalk is home to more snobs than the New England college prep school I attended in the 60's.

BTW, my dinner last night came from a grocery store salad bar and I would say it was authentic grocery store salad bar salad. I liked it and I'm not ashamed to say it. I suspect some of the ingredients originated outside the US, but none were labeled as authentic XXXian canned peaches or bacon bits.