[katezbox]

TPop - from my own adopted area on Conn had it right a few posts back...

1. Many of us are looking for value - why else would people frequent Red Lobster, Golden Corral, Olive Garden or Butterbeans? All of these places serve food that is NOT prepared on premise. How is that you say.... those Sysco trucks you see all the time deliver the equivalent of frozen dinners - full of sodium, guar gum and who knows what else - that a cook just needs too heat up.

2. Independent restaurants like Red Sauce - can't support the pricey rent and high volume - so their best dishes tend to consistently be those prepared in advance - lasagna and eggplant parm. Villagers complain because a glass of wine there costs more than $5 and is not filled to the top like the "happy Hour" swill wine we get at most other places.

3. The country clubs etc. may be "local" but most of their food is also of the prepared variety used by the chains. Just look at the menu at Cattle Baron! No "chef" can have all of that available without it being frozen/pre-cooked.

4. If you want to find great restaurants as we had in New England, you need to leave the Bubble - or buy the items mentioned at Red Sauce.

5. Verandah wasn't great - but, as someone who visits airports about 40 times/year - Panera is exactly like being in an airport. Too noisy - OK food etc etc etc.

6. Gracie - you are right - Panera has a footprint and they will stick to it. Yes, certain McD's locations find a way to fit in to community - but only under HUGE pressure from locals.

JMHO