Of all the American chain type restaurants, I think Applebees is probably the best. The burgers and steaks are decent for the price, the desserts aren't bad, and the drinks are huge.

I generlly stay away from chains, and PB must respectfully disagree with you on Applebees. I think it is awful.

Just had home-made broth!

Made with a ham shank,onions,lentils,barley,split peas,carrots and cauliflower!

Delicious!

You can't get that in a chain restaurant.

Applebees and some of the chains are okay if you stick to the burgers and some of the sandwiches. Some of the sauces (gravy) are too thick and salty. I'm not a big fan of the overseasoned fries.

By the way, for burgers, does anyone ever go to 5 Guys Burgers and Fries?

That's what I was talking about Klyd, burgers. If I'm on the road, which I am a lot, I'd prefer a burger from a chain, such as Applebees, to a fast food burger. I used to enjoy the roast beef sandwich at Roy Rogers, but they're few and far between now. In New York, anyway.

I had never heard of Five Guys until one opened up down the street. I heard it was great, but haven't tried them yet. Last time I drove past it was dead-empty, though.

The menu is limited to burgers and fries (the boardwalk variety). They also have hot dogs on the menu, but I've never seen anyone order them. It's weird that it was dead...those places often have big lines wherever I see them.

When you order a burger there, make sure you have an appetite.

Ya' hadda' bring up the boardwalk. Now Geoffy's gonna' go on a rant on how the Long Branch Boardwalk is the culinary capital of the northeast.

I do not like Applebees. I would much rather go to Chili's. I happen to have a really good Chili's near me, and they have terrific service. I almost always get the steak fajita quesadillas. The one time I ordered a steak there, it was overdone. Well, damn if the manager didn't personally come over, apologize, and replace it with a filet mignon.

Yes, Chili's is good, but there are none in my area. There are a bunch in Florida, so once in awhile, I'll go when I'm down there.

I've grown tired of these "upscale" fast food restaurants. Most of their foods are pre-cooked and overpriced. And most of the time the service sucks!

I realize that not all areas of the country have access to the mom and pop home cooking type restaurants or the authentic Italian restaurants that many big city folks are lucky to have, so places like Applebees, Chilli's, Olive Garden, etc. are really the only options available to them for certain kinds of foods.

Personally I'd rather go to a Diner for a steak and a local Italian restaurant for Italian food.

And if I want drinks, appetizers like wings, nachos and those kinds of pickies, there are several local places that make those things.

However, there are times when we go out with a bunch of friends and they decide that they want to go to an Applebees or Chilli's. And I'll go. They are not that horrible and if that's what the crowd wants to do, than I have no problem going. Those places do make excellent drinks and pretty good appetizers. But personally I'd rather go to Chilli's than Applebees.

And I am one of those unfortunate souls

I really, really like Chili's Southwestern Egg Rolls and Chicken Crispers. Also, their spinach and artichoke dip is very good. As you know, I also enjoy Charlie Brown's.

Btw, my husband noticed that Mahogany Littleneck Clams from Maine were on sale this week. My mom picked up a bag of 50 today and is making linguini with clam sauce for us tonight.

I have to agree with you about those appetizers. They all are really good.

I ate at Charlie Brown's once and must admit that the t-bone steak that I had was good.

Their salad bar is pretty good (yes, I know that I probably don't want to eat from a salad bar, but I don't care), and try their double cut prime rib. For $20, it's a great buy. Nice and tender and it's HUGE. I prefer prime rib on the bone anyway.

I'll be there in an hour!

By what - helicopter???

The welcome mat is always out for you, sweetie.

Pick me up on the way Geoff!! I'll bring the wine!

....and the fresh cheesecake!

No frozen?

Save the frozen one for Mr. Babe

Am I to far out of the way to be picked up Geoffy?

Just had an old favourite!

Spaghetti and meatballs.

Even though it will be hard to top the clam sauce last night, we're going to try. I picked up a center cut pork roast, on the bone. I plan to roast it with the oven on convection, which really makes it juicy. I haven't decided on side dishes yet, but I guess I should get cracking!

For lunch, my daughters made me crepes today. They were great!

Well, you gotta put some small red potatoes around the roast.

Maybe some glazed carrots. And I'm feeling a little spinach-ey tonight. And don't forget the MOTT'S apple sauce.

I always feel very inferior when I come into this thread. Either that or I'm just plain lazy and don't like to cook.

You're from friggin' Maryland, surely even you can boil crabs.

Quit reminding me.

You don't boil crabs, you steam them.

And there's no crabs util May.

Hey, don't forget, New York is quietly underrated for it's crabbing. I've made a few posts before on the subject. I grew up in the Bronx but spent endless summers crabbing in South Brooklyn and the Rockaways.

I know you steam crabs, I was just trying to keep it simple for you.

I don't like to put anything in the pan with a roast. Oh, and naturally I'll be making BROWN GRAVY.

Well, then you can give the potatoes a boil, to par-cook 'em. Then when the you take the roast out to "rest," you can toss the potatoes with the drippings and roast them for just a little while. Not the healthiest dish, but delicious.