Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does Cava Mezze Grill count as a chain?

What do you recommend here?

I always get the brown rice bowl, so can't vouch for their salads or pitas. They do seem to have a nice selection of salad greens though. I've enjoyed most of the "meats," though I probably wouldn't get the falafel or the braised lamb again. The braised lamb is fatty, so you get congealed fat globs the second it touches cold toppings.

For dips, make sure you get the Crazy Feta! Otherwise, the toppings are varied and always seem fresh. Definitely give the pickled onions a try. I passed that one up for quite a while before a friend mentioned that they're unexpectedly low on the pungency factor (not good for work lunches) and I love the refreshing zip they add to the bowl.

Cheesecake Factory
Popeye's

Houstons (or Woodmont Grill, etc)

Taco Bell
Arby's
California Pizza Kitchen
Baja Fresh
Olive Garden
Cava

You guys are some high-end chain lovers. This thread is pretty laughable.

Normal, average, typical "America" chains that I like:
-Panera (broccoli cheese soup or greek salad)
-We order Papa Johns sometimes, sometimes Dominos
-Chik Fil A is good
-I love Potbelly and like Jimmy John's

Less Typical Chains that I like
-Nando's
-Shophouse
-Flippin Pizza

No love for Checkers and their curly fries????

Anonymous wrote:Does Cava Mezze Grill count as a chain?

What do you recommend here?

Anonymous wrote:Cafe Deluxe and Clyde's - a little dull, but consistently good service and food, plus reasonable decibel level; our "go to" special non-romantic special occasion restaurants

Clyde's? I've been there twice and it was no good.Calamari on Caesar salad had so much oil that I could've used it a whole year to cook at home.

Fast Food:
Fazoli's -- wish they had them in this area!

Sit-down:
Great American restaurants

Nando's fans: I've been underwhelmed -- maybe I just don't like chix and mashed potatoes or maybe I'm ordering the wrong thing. What do you recommend from their menu?

I've never had Nandos - now I have to try it.

Pret a Manger!

Anonymous wrote:California Pizza Kitchen. I grew up with it and still love it.

I used to like their split pea soup and pizza but quit going when I discovered my wheat allergy.

I guess Panera would be my pick, although I don't go often.

Buca di Beppo

I LOVE the crazy decor and the penne san remo and the cheesecake!

None near me though. I live in Prince William County (VA) and I think the closest one is about an hour away in MD. We only go there about once a year or so if we are up that way for some other reason.