Sign is up........

I have no problem with anyone who doesn't eat anywhere for any reason. I just have a problem with anyone one who bashes a company for the sole reason that it is large.

To me it's who can afford NOT to have my business. I do that because I love the spice of life. I don't want to live in a place with nothing but chains. It seriously limits my decision making and I like a lot of variety. With that said, I go if I think it's good but I will tend to go to non-chains most of the time.

Let's face it we all have eaten at chains and this even includes Robin . I think the majority of us just enjoy the dynamic difference a local independent restaurant offers. I can goto O'Charley's anywhere and it is relatively the same which is a good thing however living in Louisville I have found that we are truly blessed to have so many locally owned great restaurants. I have been to other cities and people look at me like I am retarded when I ask what are the best local non-chain restaurants. I truly enjoy the ability to eat at many wide varying restaurants that are unique to our city. Plus I feel like I am supporting the local community more as it seems to be harder to keep a local establishment up and running.

We are extremely lucky in Louisville to have several good-to-great local restaurants

Last year I lived out west and had to be in Cedar City, Utah for work. My co-worker and I asked a resident for a dinner recommendation. She thought about it for a minute, then brightened up and said "They just opened an Applebee's." She even gave the universal bon appetit gesture, which seemed like hyperpole for the birthplace of the riblet.

We ignored her advice and went to a local steakhouse. As I sat in a near-empty restaurant eating a $25 steak that I think was prepared in a frying pan over a hot plate, Applebee's didn't sound so bad.

I have talked to Tony several times since he started his Nashville training and I, for one, am REALLY looking forward to this opening. I believe this new venture in the Louisville area will be an asset to the community.

Also, just to clear up any questions, The Bluegrass Bistro is still open as normal as I have taken full control of the helm. Also, Robin, I have started seeing a few possums running loose. Maybe I can catch a few for some Possum Pie for our new Summer menu that comes out on July 2......

[Robin Garr]

Maybe I can catch a few for some Possum Pie for our new Summer menu that comes out on July 2......

Awwwright! Keep us posted, Scott.

Really. I'd much rather go to Macaroni Grill than Olive Garden (though this is experience in other cities, I've never been to either in Louisville).

I've actually only been to the Macaroni Grill in Louisville, though I've been to Olive Garden other places too. All three times I've been to Macaroni Grill I've received cold food (the fried cheese on our app. sampler last time actually felt near frozen still, in the center) and the food was so oily I could barely eat it. I admit that I could have just had bad luck at Macaroni Grill, but it's been enough to sour me on the place pretty much for good.

On another note to the thread, in case I was one of those people being lumped into the anti-chainers (which tend to be an over-blown classification I've realized), I would note that my listing was merely a heirarchy of preferences. The main reasons I'd 'rather not' go to Olive Garden or Carraba's is because Buca is right down the road... which I love and is a chain both...