It's Poll Time!

[jenniferharris1]

OK, I've gotten used to these polls (thanks, Lorilei!), and I'm having poll-withdrawal. So, the question of the day is:
What is your favorite restaurant chain, and what recipe from that restaurant would you most like to duplicate at home? Personally, I love Maccaroni Grill; they have a shrimp and spinach pasta with lemon butter and pine nuts that's fab-u-lous!!! Mmmmmm
Have a great night, everyone

[emily]

i usually search for local restaurants, but i have to agree with that shrimp pine nut pasta at macaroni grill is outstanding.

i really enjoy Houston's. Their baked potato soup, asian chicken salad, and pork chops are all heavenly. oh and any of their salads with there mustard-honey and hot bacon dressings mixed together. mmm. this is making me hungry.

[Linda]

Chili's is our current favorite chain. Good salads, really interesting appetizers (southwestern eggrolls, bibb lettuce wraps) and big ole hunks of beef to keep my husband happy.

[Mary Ann]

I have to agree with Chili's.

As far as the recipe I'd like to duplicate at home, that would be their Southwestern Chicken Pasta.

[Grace]

I don't like any of the chain "restaurants", although I must admit my love for Panera Bread (aka St. Louis Bread if you live in Missouri). They have the best Fandango salad (field greens with mandarin oranges, gorgonzola, walnuts and fat free raspberry vinaigrette), and their grilled Panini sandwiches are killer - Veggie Capri, Frontega Chicken and Portabello mushroom and mozzarella - really good stuff. They have good soups, and their breads (asiago cheese and focaccia) are great.

Other than that, though, I won't go to a chain restaurant unless I have to (someone's birthday, etc.). I take that back. We like Pappadeaux Seafood Restaurant a lot too. My husband's favorite! Cooking Light should open a chain of restaurants featuring their recipes......(another good idea to go along with the weekly Cooking show.....they ought to pay me for these great ideas!! Ha ha)

Grace

[Kristilyn1]

for chains I would have to say---Bertucci's . I have heard of Macaroni Grill, but don't think there is one around here. I love Bertucci's pizzas. There aren't many brick oven pizzeria's around here, so that's the one. They also have a good pasta dish with chicken and something else (can't remember). I like the pizza because without the extra cheese, it's a fairly light dish to have while I am on Weight Watchers......

[lindrusso]

It's hard to think of one chain that I like more than the rest - I usually like one or two dishes from a chain - but recently I found one where I had a hard time picking something to eat because there were so many yummy items! PIZZERIA UNO. They have many interesting dishes.

Also THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY, though I don't think there are many of them.

[Denise]

I have to say I'm pretty anti-chain restaurant. But maybe you don't have the great selection of local restaurants we do....there's Lucille's for cajun (I love there red beans and rice), Suehiro's for japanese (mmmmm edamame), Silver Grill for sinful cinnamon roll toast......

You couldn't pay me to eat in a chain!

[Beth H]

There is a chain in the midwest (and perhaps elsewhere) called J. Alexanders which is really good. Cookers is another pretty good chain. And, I like California Pizza Kitchen as well.

[Laura M]

While I generally don't search out "chain" restaurants, they are great when traveling with the kids. My two favorites are probably California Pizza Kitchen and Cheesecake Factory, although I just went to a Macaroni Grill and was impressed.

[lorilei]

Well, I'd have to agree that "chain" restaurants don't thrill me.

But there is a locally (WI) owned restaurant with 3-4 locations in the Milwaukee area of which I approve -- THE CHANCERY. The locations vary somewhat in presentation (Wauwatosa is the best, I think), but are fairly consistent in quality. They have a couple of lovely vegetable sandwiches (the portabella mushroom is very good) and a dish called: Mushroom Kung Pow-wow that is absolutely scrumptious... rice with shiitake, portabella, and button mushrooms in hoison sauce with a variety of other veggies.

They also have a to-die-for bread pudding with bourbon sauce!

[Danielle]

My husband and I love the Chicken Mushroom soup from Chili's. If only I could get the recipe! Yummy!

I also really like the Cheddar Bay biscuits from Red Lobster, and the French Onion soup from TGI Friday's. I have a recipe that's almost identical to the Cheddar Bay biscuits, so at least I can satisfy that craving at home! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Natasha]

Danielle,

Would you please, please share that biscuit recipe with us? I have seen one that claims to be the same, but reading it, I wasn't convinced, so I never tried it. I haven't gone to Red Lobster in years and years, but I still remember those biscuits!

Most of my favorite restaurants are non-chains, but I won't say no to certain chains. Just not that picky, I guess - I tend to like most things (though you may believe otherwise based on my aversion posts...) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif. I like Chili's also, and Pizzeria Uno (the Harvest pizza is topped with so many fresh veggies that you get a warm salad out of it). At Houlihan's I had an impressive salad - it was huge and, besides the usual salad fixin's, it had mandarin oranges, blue cheese (which I didn't think I would like, but I did), walnuts, and a lime-based dressing. Very nice presentation, and satisfying! I'm going to search out lime-based dressings and experiment...someday!

Okay, I'll stop blabbering now.

[lorilei]

Mmmm...mmmm... I remembered another "chain" dish that I like.

Chili's has a spinach-artichoke-smoked mozzarella quesadilla that I simply adore!

[Gail]

I was one hundred per cent with those who gave chain restaurants a thumbs-down, until lindrusso mentioned Pizzeria Uno. Oh, the spinoccoli pizza....!

[karen w]

well I used to like to try to avoid the chain eateries too. But, alas 3 children later...well you know. My favorites have to be Bertucci's and Uno's.My husband and I always share the arrosto appetizer at Bertucci's(grilled vegetable appetizer). It's yummy. And the kids like the Oreos that come with their meal too! I like Unos thin crust pizzas- a crispy crust.
By the way LORILEI, are you from Milwaukee? Seeing your post made me sentimental for home. I still get their once a year anyway to visit my family!

[BethR]

I really liked Macaroni Grill. We've been there twice, although it was a while ago and I can't remember which dishes I had. It was tasty, though. I also like the food and ambiance at Maggiano's, although I'm not sure it's a chain.
Beth

[lorilei]

Karen - Well, I'm in the Milwaukee area. Kinda between Germantown & Mequon. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Where are you now?

[jenbasford]

Oh my....favorite foods. I could go on all day. Normally I seek out a new restaurant or two a week (and stray from chains), but there are just times when only a chain will do (unfortunately). Cheesecake Factory is the ultimate - Baja Fish Tacos and the Madeira Chicken. Probably the best dishes they have, and they have several! Panera Bread (St. Louis Bread) is also a true favorite, and I eat there so much. Their Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice soup in a bread bowl is truly excellent (as is the Cinnamon Crunch bagel w/ Hazelnut cream cheese). Macaroni Grill - long time love. I always 'create my own' dish from a fave of theirs long ago. Chicken, bowtie pasta, asiago cream sauce, garlic, mushrooms, pine nuts, onions, and maybe a bit of prosciutto or other salty item. To die for (as is their foccacia).

Oh, there I go rambling on again...... I could talk about food for days!

[Natasha]

RunnerKim - thank you for the suggestion! That dressing sounds very good. Hope you enjoy the salad tonight.

Danielle - thank you!!

And Lorilei - I was very interested in the Milwaukee-area restaurant that you recommended. I used to go to Milwaukee fairly frequently as a kid, because my dad had a lot of business there and sometimes he would take the family with him (either just there, or as part of a longer vacation). It's a great city that has much more to offer than beer. I'd love to go back sometime. A Cuban friend once took us to a terrific Mexican restaurant downtown. The area was not the greatest, and the restaurant itself was not much to look at, but the food was awesome!!! Unfortunately, OF COURSE I don't remember the name, or any details about the location, but based on this info, I'm SURE you can figure it out. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[lindrusso]

I know what you mean about the kid factor Karen W! Eating at any of the above restaurants is a gourmet experience after McDonald's!!

Of course unique restaurants are more interesting than chains, but chains have their definite advantages - they are kid-friendly and generally well-priced.

It would be great to eat at wonderful, local eateries all the time, but that's not often practical (especially when you live in a small town). And besides, chain restaurants have come a long way from the days the same old, same old - they tend to offer much more exciting fare these days.

Just an argument in defense of chain restaurants. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Danielle]

lorilei--

Another Wisconsinite! I grew up in Fond du Lac, went to college in Whitewater, and moved to Madison (well, DeForest, but close enough)after I graduated two years ago. I don't get to Milwaukee often, but I should. One of my best friends lives in Thiensville with her husband. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[SandyDee]

You guys hit 2 of my favorites. I have to drive 75 miles to the nearest Macaroni's and I do it often!!! I have not tried the shrimp dish that was mentioned because I am stuck on the tomato, basil and balsamic vinegar over angel hair pasta. J Alexander's is another favorite and I love their Grilled chicken salad with feta and tortilla strips in it. But you also get no argument from me that Red Lobsters cheddar biscuits are to die for and then Cookers shortcake biscuits have that same affect on me as well. I know that I am leaving something out but one of you out there will remind me I am sure!!

[lorilei]

Natasha, I'm going to take a wild stab at that Mexican restaurant and say... La Perla? It's a bit more commercialized now, but their food is still some of the best in the area. Milwaukee is definitely filled with good places to eat http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Explains why I find it so hard to lose this stubborn 20 lbs!!

Danielle, my husband works in Fond du Lac and I spent many of my teenage years in Kewaskum http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif My parents own a log home there... small, small world indeed!

[cookboy]

Being a veteran Chili's employee, I admit that I cringed when I read so many people that loved Chili's. I do find myself graviting towards the homey feel of small non-chains these days.

In all honesty, though, I started working at Chili's because of the great food, huge portions, and friendly atmosphere. So, despite what reservations against chains and Chili's in particular that I may have developed, there's still "No Place Else" like Chili's. Thanks for helping me get over my biases!

[This message has been edited by cookboy (edited 07-06-2000).]

[Angela]

Most of the restaurants mentioned I'm familiar with and enjoy, but my favorite is Chili's. Everything I've ever had there has been very good. Their nachos are the best. My other favorite is Pizza Hut. I know it's not light, but when I'm hungry for pizza I want Pizza Hut (though there are some yummy local pizza places).

[TraceyK]

You wouldn't be from Fort Collins, CO, would you?

Originally posted by Denise:
I have to say I'm pretty anti-chain restaurant. But maybe you don't have the great selection of local restaurants we do....there's Lucille's for cajun (I love there red beans and rice), Suehiro's for japanese (mmmmm edamame), Silver Grill for sinful cinnamon roll toast......

You couldn't pay me to eat in a chain!

[Deanna]

For all you Macaroni Grill lovers.. your must try the Chicken Marsala...very tasty!

[karen w]

Wow, you guys are making me homesick. You are so close to me(my parents now!) Lorelei. They live in Bayside(10 min. from Germantown-Thiensville area.)As a matter of fact right on Mequon (Ozaukee County) Line! And Deanna, I spent eight years in Madison

[RunnerKim]

Natasha,

Have you tried the lime vinagraitte from the Black Bean-Taco Salad with lime vinaigrette recipe in the latest CL?

It's on my menu for tonight and I'm really looking forward to trying it.

I guess I would choose California Pizza Kitchen for my favorite chain - although we don't eat out often and normally don't go to chains. I don't think I could pick 1 favorite though, I have their cookbook and Friday nights are pizza night in my house.

Kim

[Danielle]

Natasha--

I'd be happy to share the recipe with you! I'll try to remember to bring it in with me to work tomorrow, or I'll post it tonight when I get home. It's a very simple recipe.

We don't go to Red Lobster that often, but when we do, we totally feast on those biscuits. So tasty!

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[MCJiGS]

Anyone like Outback's? Our family loves just about every thing there but the blooming onions and the coconut fried shrimp with the pineapple dipping sauce is to die for mates. We just love going down under...~mary~

[ellielk]

I was thinking Outback, too. Outback and Macaroni Grill are the best places to go with kids. I don't care for the blooming onion; I'd rather 'go off the wagon' for the chili cheese fries at Outback and love the Italian nachos (they're called something else) at Macaroni Grill. I live in Columbus, OH, and we have several local 'chains' that are really good. Any of the Cameron Mitchell restaurants for steak or seafood; Harold's Cajum Kitchen (as good as I've had in New Orleans), Barcelona for Spanish. I also try to stay away from what I call corporate food (like Cooker or Applebee's) but sometimes the fact that you know what you're getting makes life easier when you're getting together with less adventurous or picky eaters.

[karen w]

Beth, I too loved the asiago/rosemary flatbread at einsteins. Sometimes I'd go there just for that. Unfortunately, they are having financial problems, and closed many of their stores including the one by me. How about e-mailing me some of that bread-extra crispy please.

[Natasha]

Financial problems at Einstein's? Oh, no! Nobody else makes potato bagels like they do... If anyone has THAT recipe, please let us know!

[BethH]

Karen W: Say it isn't so! Einstein's is alive and well in Indianapolis!

Laura M: We are getting a PF Chang's right by my house--what should I be sure to try?

[BethH]

There are two things from chains that I love...the Asian Chicken Salad with the Asiago/Rosemary Flatbread at Einstein Bros. for lunch and the tomato relish concoction they serve with bread at Palomino's! Yum! I'm trying to get the recipe for it and will definitely post when I do. Its so good!

[Laura M]

Actually, I just thought of a "chain" that I love, P.F. Changs. I know they are in So. Ca. and in Denver. Very good nouvelle Chinese cuisine. Not really kid friendly, but then again, it is good to get away without my two lovable little hooligans sometimes! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[Deanna]

Pulling up to top for Pat

[melisa]

I hate to tell you this, but in my area (WA.) a study came out(by the people who gave nutritional info on Big Macs, Movie Popcorn etc.) That the Blooming Onion is one of the worst things to eat. But as far as I'm concerened once in awhile is fine!
Melissa

originally posted by MCJiGS:
Anyone like Outback's? Our family loves just about every thing there but the blooming onions and the coconut fried shrimp with the pineapple dipping sauce is to die for mates. We just love going down under...~mary~[/QUOTE]

[melisa]

Does 2 restraunts count as a chain? My favorite is "Killer Shrimp" located in the L.A. beach area. They have 2 things on the menu:
1. Killer Shrimp
2. Sweet Potatoe Pie

The shrimp is simmered in a to die for broth and served with plenty of crusty bread for dipping! They do not give the recipe out, and my attempts to recreate at home have been a miss (close, but not the same!) I know there is Broth, Butter, Rosemary, Tobasco and many other key elements!

***Has any one been to the web site "KopyKat Kreations" it is a site strictly for restraunt recipes, many of the above mentioned can be found there. Although, their recipe for Killer Shrimp doesn't capture the true taste of killer shrimp!

Melissa

[Gail]

Originally posted by melisa:
... My favorite is "Killer Shrimp" located in the L.A. beach area. Melissa

Gee, Melissa-- I hope the Killer Shrimp you remember wasn't the Redondo Beach restaurant. I just drove by and there's a great big sign that says, "Restaurant for Lease."

[Brooke]

Another somewhat anti-chain person but with a new baby on the way any day, I'm sure we'll get on board a bit more!

I do like Chevy's Fresh Mex - their fish tacos and also their salsa and fresh flour tortillas are GREAT.

Have also tried a Cheesecake Factory in Vegas and liked that as well (there aren't any in our area).

Great poll! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Brooke]

Oops - how could I forget Sweet Tomatoes?! Soup/salad/pasta/etc buffet restaurant (called Souplantation in some areas of country).

Very kid friendly AND the opportunity to eat healthy (though also major opportunity to pig out....)

[Gwenniver]

Hmmmmmm...I love Red Lobster biscuits--case in point: I found a copycat recipe for them. Decided to try it (I think it was Valentine's Day, planned to cook a gourmet meal at home). My husband loves them even more than I do (he loves bread of all kinds--we get an extra basket just for him when we go... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif).

Punchline...we ended up eating all the biscuits right then and there and not cooking the rest of the dinner!

(Geez, for a former English major I get on a bulletin board and suddenly my grammar is atrocious. Oh well...)

[marshalynne]

Macaroni Grill and Dakota's Steak and Seafood are hands down our two favorites. I love the Ravioli Vegetali (ravioli with spinach, cheese and pine nuts in a tomato caper sauce...YUMMY!) and he usually gets the Chicken Marsala and it is very good as well. Try the Portabella Mushroom soup if you ever get the chance and we love the bread! Dakotas has a great salad bar, bread and wonderful tuna steak served with a tomato tequila vinagrette as well as teriakyi steak and a heart healthy menu!

[laden]

Macaroni Grill is definitely our favorite restaurant. We go at least 3 times a month! If you're looking for a light entree the Pollo Pepe is delicious! (It's a marinated chicken breast covered in a puree of bell peppers, spices and roasted garlic. It has no oil or butter added and is served on a bed of fresh spinach. Very healthy and yummy.

[Natasha]

Lorilei - it could be La Perla I was thinking of, who knows? It's been 10 years or so since I was there. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Anyway, it doesn't matter if it's the same place or not. If you recommend it it must be good! I'll have to try it if and when I get to Milwaukee. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[mlynn]

My husband and I love Carrabba's. They have a great margherita pizza, and the Chicken Bryan is wonderful... but (sigh) not light.

[MrsReber]

A lot of good restaurants have been mentioned. Macaroni Grill is great. Good food, good atmosphere. Carrabbas is also very good. Love their bread with olive oil. It reminds me of the Macaroni Grill somewhat. I absolutely love Friday's. On occasion, they have baked brie with roasted garlic and bread. To die for! My roasted garlic never comes out like that! I also like their hot spinach and artichoke dip. Their appetizers are the best and the Jack Daniels grilled foods are also very good, and don't forget the frozen drinks! Bad bad bad!! We go maybe twice a year and indulge.

[Susan]

Okay, I'll try posting this again (abbreviated version). I gave up the other night...

My favorite chain is Don Pablos (Tex-Mex). I adore their B & B burrito with Prairie Fire beans. I am also a fan of their Casear Salad that has a Tex-Mex twist. YUM!!! Great salsa too!

~~Susan~~

[Laura M]

Beth R- You know it has been a few years since I have been to PF Changs. I used to take clients there when I thought I was a big dog attorney in Newport Beach, CA. Now I work part-time in a town with only 15k tops in our low season. I do remember their lettuce wrap appetizers being awesome. Lucky you. If you go, please let me know how you like it. Word to the wise though-- it is not really for kids and it is not cheap. You should look at the post for lettuce wraps. Other people have the same impression of PF Changs as me and they might have other menu suggestions. Enjoy!

[This message has been edited by Laura M (edited 07-10-2000).]

[Nanci]

As much as I hate to admit it -- I love certain chains. I could eat at Macarooni Grill at least once a week. I love the Chicken Marsala. We tried the Pasta Chips (kind of like nauchos)last time we were there. They were great but unfortunately fried. I would love to find this recipe and make it healthy or try to.

I can't find the site for Kopykat Kreations even tried a search. Anyone else have any luck?

CA Pizza kitchen has an awsome Barbeque Chicken Salad and great Smashed Barley Soup.

Stir Crazy is one of my favorites because I can pick out my fav veggies, sauce and customize my stir fry.

Finally Wolfgang Puck's Chinois Salad is definately one of my alltime favs. I will let you know if my attempt to duplicate is successful.

Nanci

[This message has been edited by Nanci (edited 07-10-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Nanci (edited 07-10-2000).]

[christinew]

Originally posted by MCJiGS:
Anyone like Outback's? Our family loves just about every thing there but the blooming onions and the coconut fried shrimp with the pineapple dipping sauce is to die for mates. We just love going down under...~mary~I LOVE OUTBACK!!!

I love their salads.....isn't that ridiculous that I did not say one of their main entrees...but their salad is incredible. Must be the dressing or the just crispy enough croutons!

[karen w]

Beth, you probably don't have anything to worry about. From what I understand Einstein's has been successful in the Midwest. Most of the store closings were on the East coast. Apparently much more competition here. I'm sure one of the flatbreads could fit in a fax machine!

[lorilei]

Nanci -

Here's the website for CopyKat Creations:
www.copykat.com (http://www.copykat.com)

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif There's all kinds of cool stuff there -- many indulgences...

[BethH]

karen w:

I'd fax one over if I could! I think my co-workers would be angry with me if they found our fax machine full of cheese and rosemary leaves! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[LFOSHEE]

I am not a big chain returant eater but I do like a new chain here in Orlando- Sam Sneeds. I am not sure where else it is located. Also- I agree with the comment about the Outback salads- that tangy tomato dressing is YUMMY! When I lived in Gainesville I did enjoy the chain "Harry's seafood". It had a cajun theme and to die for cheese fries. If there is anyone else out there from Gainesville I am sure they can attest to the fact that Burrito Brothers should become a chain. I have dreams about those burritos.

[Nanci]

Thanks for the site address -- I will be heading there shortly!!!! I can't wait.

[CrystalB]

When I lived in DC I loved the Burrito Brothers chain!!! I loved their spinach/black bean burrito. Mmmm.

[nanadee]

Alexander's wins hands down in my house. When we travel, we also like Rafferty's & O'Charleys. I love the Chicken Pasta soup at Alexander's & have the recipe. When I have made it at home, it just doesn't taste the same.

[andreajackson]

Oh how fun! I have to say that I love Panera Bread! The Cinnamon Crunch bagel is to die for! I just recently went to The Macaroni Grill in St. Louis and it was excellent. But I wish there was one in Indiana!

[Pat58]

Chain Restaurants? Ugh. We don't eat out often, but when we do we go to a good local restaurant in our coastal New England area. A Red Lobster opened around here and they tried to pawn off blackened lettuce and spoiled fish on us Yanks (it closed in less than one year). In summer we have clam bars and lobster shacks to go to; other seasons we have wonderful colonial inns with fireplaces and a great place in Mystic called "Go Fish" with the best seafood and fresh veggies; also Italian, Thai, TexMex, Japanese, all American steakhouses, Middle Eastern - I wish we could afford to eat out more often! If I splurge on dinner out, it sure won't be to wait in line at the latest chain that cut down more trees and added traffic, listening to children wail and having harried staff try to cram you in and get you out fast. Sorry for the sour grapes :-( but that's how I feel!

[debj]

My favorite "lite" dishes at restaurants:

Macaroni Grill - Pollo Pepe

Fridays-Grilled Chicken Salad (skip the dressing offered and mix it with salsa and fat free ranch dresssing - yum)!

Chili's - Bandido Burger (a black bean burger/leave off the guacamole if you're strictly watching fat intake-I leave it ON)