Yep, that's precisely it. I just want to smack these people (the ones who will eat at Red Lobster or Olive Garden while visiting NYC) across the face, but I'm guessing they still wouldn't get it.

I can't imagine eating at a chain restaurant in NYC when "Cupcakes and Burgers" exists. Or "Pommes Frites". How can you not want to try something like that out?

Going on vacation and eating at an olive garden/red lobster/ihop/mcdonalds, etc is like going on vacation and spending your whole time there going to the movies and the mall and maybe the grocery store then settling back in your room to watch Americas Next top model.

If you just want to do what you do at home, then why pay for plane fare and a hotel? Why not just stay in your home town?

Scott Ian, sir, you are my new hero. As a musician and a chef (in training), I applaud this column week after week.
I work in the food industry, and my boss claims to be quite a "foodie," yet I constantly hear about how much my boss loves going to Olive Garden. Just further proof that my boss is a goddamn poser. And that Olive Garden is the devil.
When I'm home or travelling, I always try to avoid chains. There's literally a plethora of great local restaurants out there in every small town and big city. The only time I'll go to a chain restaurant is if it's one I've never eaten at.

I remember talking to a friend a couple years back about eating out. He told me he had just returned from a trip to New York City with his soon-to-be In-laws. He said he took them out to dinner & a show. Excitedly...I asked him where they went to eat. He said "Applebees's...in Times Square".

You could see the excitement in my face quickly fade to shame & horror. Of ALL the restaurants in the city....he went to Applebees.......in Times Square. I told him...for fuck's sake...there's an Applebees on every corner of New Jersey....couldn't you at least have gone to Tad's Steaks or something?! If you HAD to eat at a chain...couldn't you at least go to a chain that we don't have where we live?

The only chain restaurant I've eaten at in NYC was a daisy chain restaurant.

Good eats. And you can get creative with the tip.

My best friend insists that we go to Olive Garden EVERY time I go home. Without fail. It's just where they eat. Finally last time we were home I went "please...god...anywhere but there..." We ended up going to this fabulous place and having amazing wine and amazing food. Granted, it cost more, but it was SOOO worth it.

I love when people are able to take me some little wonderful place they know about and introduce me to new things. I am not afraid to try new food and am always searching for new levels of tasty. I appreciate great food much more than I appreciate great sex...only because if the sex isn't good, you can try again. Once you've eaten you're stuck with what you shoved in your face.

I work for the OG and all, but I agree with what you're saying. What's WORSE is having two adult girls come in ...in their 20s to olive garden...and order chicken fingers and fries off the kids menu. How do you come to the fast food version of italian restaurants and not even order anything on the menu. Hello, the McDonald's is two miles down the street and you pretty much just ordered a happy meal.

it was somewhere in the vicinity of russell square, but don't quote me on that. and yes, 6 months later i am really still fantasizing about that samosa.

Tad's Steaks, huh? I am intrigued...tell me more.

-TM

I've eaten at chains while on vacation but it's not a "meal out". It'll be for the same reason I've eaten at chains at home. I need something fast and safe. I know I'll never be disappointed by McD's because I have such low expectations for it. A sad fact but a fact nonetheless. Not quite as sad as some folks who do view a meal at a chain as a special event meal mind you. And yeah going to OG in NYC strikes me as about as smart as going to Taco Bell in Mexico. Or a Wagamama in Tokyo. (Although I have to admit to loving me some Wagamama, anyone got their chikcen katsu recipe?)

I will also admit that I do try to eat at a Jack In The Box whenever I go down to Bellingham. Mainly because that's where they had a huge e coli outbreak back in 93 and I'm hardcore and shit.

Great column, thanks. Looking forward to more.

I concur my friend. We were on tour last week in the north west where we asked the local gas attendant where a good breakfast place was other than Denny's and he hooked us up with some awesome out of the way place. We're talking bacon that would make you insane just from the smell!

Have you ever eaten at Al di la in Park Slope? Stupid ass long wait to get a table but the malfatti in brown butter was stupendous as was the rabbit (the most succulent and flavorful rabbit I've ever had).

And speaking of Italian - I had some awesome osso bucco at the Venetian in Vegas. Food is fucking awesome. I love your column.