Originally Posted by
jbcarioca
Given the last two posts I beg to clarify my last one. I really don't like chains, but in the US anyway, it is good to know them because there are often no better choices, particularly if reasonable prices are part of the equation. OK, I also know Nobu is not renowned for reasonable prices.
Any city that has a Nobu has enough other selection.
I really prefer smaller cities, 120,000 or so people. That is where the chains are king, however with some work you can find local ethnic flair at some eateries, some of them have to have their items and then local favorites like fried chicken and catfish to survive. However they go to great lengths to do well on their own cuisine. I have recently found a Lebanese (and some Greek foods) restaurant in ACT that is quite good, it is not a fancy place the serve on Styrofoam, but the food is what counts. There is also a korean 'hamburger' joint that serves korean food on the menu that is a good place too. So I am certain that even in cities where the chains are the 'best dining' to some locals they have not experienced good food in their own backyards.