Chain versus Local Restaurants

Since McDonald’s was established in the 1940's; hundreds of different chain restaurants have appeared to compete with it.  In this day and age there are chain restaurants popping up everywhere. Especially, off of the Interstate at "popular exits". They quickly became popular because of their cheap food price, greasy food and quick service. Even though chain restaurants are popular, most of their foods are unhealthy. Although, there are some chain restaurants that are starting to add more healthy foods in their menus.

 Some of the most popular chain restaurants according to the LA WEEKLY are as follows:

     1. The Cheesecake Factory
     2. Texas Roadhouse
     3. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
     4. Olive Garden
     5. Ruby Tuesday
     6. Red Lobster
     7. P.F. Chang's China Bistro
     8. Longhorn Steakhouse
     9. Outback Steakhouse
    10. Cracker Barrel

I can not fathom why people would dine at these establishments when you can dine at local restaurants and support your local economy. Small businesses is what  makes this country great! Especially, in the restaurant business.  They come from all walks of life. You have your Italian owner who can speak Italian fluently and serves the most divine pastas. The Chinese owner who serves Moo Gai Pan that out of this world! The local guy who serves the most fantastic pizza. I can't count how many seafood restaurants are on top of this world?

You also have the family owned and operated ones that everyone has some kind of job to full fill. Prices range from the dirt cheap to elaborate fine dining. You can find anything that you are in the mood for or your pocket book can afford.

So instead of running to your local chain restaurant, why don't you give some of the local guys a chance? They work extremely hard, support their families (might be trying to send Junior to college) and it creates tax revenue to the community. I can not stress this more....eat locally.

These are my top 10 "Local Places" to eat, no specific order. They range in all price ranges, therefore you can not say your not giving one of these a try.

   1.  Tommy's Cusine - www.tommyscuisine.com
   2.  Juniper Restaurant - www.juniperrestaurant.net
   3.  Sal's Seafood - Belle Chasse, LA
  4.  Drago's......char broiled oysters - www.dragosrestaurant.com
  5.  Bear's (po-boys)....try the roast beef - http://www.bearsgrillandspirits.com/
  6.  Coffee Rani (salads)....Jamacian Jerk and the Bluesy Chicken Salad - www.cofferani.com
  7.  Rock-n-Sake Cafe - www.rocknsake.com
  8.  Sal and Judy's - http://www.salandjudys.com/
  9. Camilla Grill - http://www.camelliagrill.net/home.htm
 10. Commander's Palace - www.commanderspalace.com

I have to add one more because I couldn't think of which one to take off the list:

    11. El Portal - http://local.yahoo.com/info-36347749-el-portal-covington

While in the process of writing this blog I ventured out and went to a new Italian Restaurant called The Old Italian House. It was wonderful! So I will add a number twelve to my list.

This is the review I wrote about this particular establishment on www.urbanspoon.com:

"I just recently moved back to Covington after a 3 year hiatus. I have passed this place several times in the last few months and wanted to give it a try. I called for takeout and ordered the Italian Egg Rolls and the Veal Parmesan. The Italian Egg Rolls were very good, but had a little to much anise in it for me. The Veal Parmesan was outstanding!! I haven't had this good Veal Parmesan since Bertucci's closed in Harvey many years ago. They had a singer singing old Sinatra songs. It was quite romantic, but they could have dimmed the lights just a tad. The prices are phenomenal for what you are getting! Overall, I will definitely will be going back and can not wait to bring my husband and dine in this establishment."     

I did bring my husband back as well as my son Justin. They were blown away by the meal, the owners and the service. I can't wait to bring my mom when she comes to visit me.

These are some of my favorite links that I use as resources to find out about dining establishments.

www.nomenu.com ~ Our Local Food Critic Tom Fitzmorris
http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/food-and-drink/Section?oid=1222777 ~ Gambit Magazine
http://dining.neworleans.com/ ~ Local Website Company

www.urbanspoon.com ~ Restaurants and reviews from critics, food bloggers and friends from all over the world...On this website you can follow your friends and see what and where they are eating. (kind of like a facebook but for restaurants) If you like it, please follow me! http://www.urbanspoon.com/u/profile/1198780/K-Yeager.html


So next time you and your family or friends decide to go out to dinner,  go local. You will totally forget "The Chains". As well as, gain new culinary experiences.

Bon Apetite!
Kelly