Thanks for introducing this topic. I understand about trying to make sure that the preponderance of your columns discuss local restaurants. But, the reality is that most of the people who read your column probably visit chains far more often than non-chain restaurants and also deserve to hear your take on them. I think that you have struck a good balance and should continue in that vein both in the blog and your columns.

Now, with all that being said remember that I am the person who thinks broasted chicken is a great dish so I might not be considered an authority in this area.

Point made. But I think it's important to let us know when a restaurant is locally owned. Brian Boru just opened in Severna Park. This is the third location for the owners of Galway Bay in Annapolis and Killarney House in Davidsonville. Mezzanotte is opening a location in Bowie. But to me, these are still local joints, and given a choice, I'd much rather patronize them.

Yes, I don't really think of those as chains either, although I guess technically they are. Not sure where something like Lebanese Taverna falls.

I think if a place makes good food, chain or not, I want to go there. Foodies shouldn't be food snobs. A good meal is a good meal.

Reviews on local, non-chain restaurants are always more interesting to read. It's like discovering the new "it" eatery or a new trend in cuisine.
Chain restaurants have an unfair advantage in the marketing and ad department since they have enormous allotted budgets. So there should be more focus and attention to local smaller restaurants that need the press (be it good or bad) all that much more.

Wow. I go away for a few days without computer access and come back to a post dedicated to my comment that I was happy about your exclusion of chain restaurants. Yay! I only wish I could have elaborated on my opinion sooner so I could have been part of the process while it remained active.

First and foremost, I LOVE that "tactful" was used to describe my comment since restraint is not a personal strength. It actually made me laugh out loud. If only my friends and family knew!

I've lived in Baltimore for five years and have come to fall in love with Charm City. I'm loyal to a fault and puff up with pride every time Baltimore is mentioned in a positive light in a national publication. Don’t even get me started on the runaway success of Food Network’s Ace of Cakes! Therefore, it infuriates me when a local restaurant is overlooked or cast aside in place of a recommendation for a chain restaurant.

Chain restaurants are inherently consistent. One's experience at Flemings in Baltimore should be the same as Flemings in Boston, Houston or San Diego. That's the whole point, right? So, why include the restaurant in a Baltimore-based list? I just don’t get it.

As far as I’m concerned, Flemings (or insert name of other chain restaurant) has nothing to do with Baltimore so it should simply be excluded from any Baltimore top ten list – unless it’s under consideration for a top ten chain restaurant. Chain restaurants have a place in the dining world, but local ink should give local support. As a burgeoning city, we’re better than the same sized steak served with the same choice of sides and prepared the same old way all across the country.

Why not accept the challenge of finding a locally owned and operated restaurant that offers the same type of fare or price point as the chain? Then, go to it. For example, choose Golden West Café over Z’Tejas. Woo the one you love or a key business client at Charleston instead of Ruth’s Chris. Grab brunch at Miss Shirley’s instead of IHOP. The examples are endless.

I know…I’m idealistic. I certainly acknowledge the challenge of trying to please everyone from the inclusion of restaurants at different price points or locations to ambience. I’d just prefer that a local blog about food and restaurants stick to discussing hometown favorites. And, I’m a food snob. There. I said it!