I can't believe you are complaining about choices in No. Va. I just got back from 2 weeks in Westover, Ma. and the only options I had was Waffle House and Friendly's.

If you are in the Reston/Herndon area there are tons of ethnic and non-chain restaurants in that area.

Just in the Kmart shopping center in Herndon on Eldon St. I would recommend a couple.

1) Pho 75, Vietnamese soup
2) Hunan (can't remember the exact name but it is pretty good)
3) Hard times Cafe

Out of the Kmart shopping center take a right and go to the next shopping center on the right there is an excellent Mexican place called the Tortilla factory.

If you like a little more upscale go out to Rt. 7 in Sterling and try the Pacific in the Target shopping center or Chengs (not PF Chengs) by the regal cinemas.

Reston Towne Center has tons of restaurants but mostly chain stuff but all good.