| When we go out, my husband and I look, on | | | | good enough for his palate. |
| purpose, for small out of the way cute places. We | | | | BJ's Brewery-Everything is fresh out of the stone |
| like the homey atmosphere, the willingness of the | | | | ovens and the air heavy with the aroma of the |
| staff to cater to our dietary needs, the sometimes | | | | beery bread dough. Like California Pizza Kitchen, |
| unusual dishes that the chef (and usually owner) | | | | choices are all over the map and there's something |
| creates. However, there is a couple of family | | | | tasty for everyone. Atmosphere is that of a beer |
| members who have always been of the belief that | | | | factory. High ceilings with pipes, noisy and dimly lit, |
| "bigger is better", whether it be the size of their car | | | | yet loads of fun. |
| or how many restaurants someone has spread | | | | Ruby's-Bright, light and awash with activity from the |
| across the county (or country). With that in mind, I | | | | flying transportation above your head (depending on |
| decided to check out some of Orange County, CA's | | | | the restaurant it could be planes, trains, automobiles, |
| chain restaurants. I was nicely surprised! There were | | | | boats or even bicycles) and done in a 1940's theme, |
| so many that had great choices and atmospheres. | | | | this chain has expanded from the usual burgers and |
| Most are also quite family friendly and able to | | | | fries fare to include breakfast, various types of |
| accommodate our ever growing crowd-here were | | | | burgers and numerous types of fries. A great kid's |
| some of the ones our group of 12 enjoyed the most: | | | | menu. Fun music! My four month old grandson found |
| Claim Jumpers-If you can, share meals. Honestly, I | | | | the fans and just loves "talking" to them and laughing |
| remember when this chain started down the street | | | | the entire time we're there. |
| from where my sister and I grew up. The decor is | | | | Only drawback-grandparents aren't thrilled eating their |
| "old camping miner town" theme, portions are huge | | | | burgers out of a plastic basket. |
| and frankly, in over 30 years, no matter which unit | | | | The Cheesecake Factory-More upscale than the rest, |
| we've gone to, we've never had a bad meal. Even | | | | but the atmosphere is fun, the food terrific and it's |
| when something was messed up, the manager bent | | | | perfect for a regular night out for two or for a |
| over backwards to make up for even the most | | | | family birthday celebration. The biggest drawback? |
| minor of mistakes. CJ's doesn't take reservations, so | | | | This place is always packed to the gills and they do |
| if you're going with a large group-send someone | | | | not take reservations. Best suggestion: go on the off |
| ahead to get your name in. | | | | hours and never on holidays! |
| California Pizza Kitchen-Portions are huge. Decor is | | | | There are of course many other chains that have |
| bright and airy. My husband can feed his need for | | | | great menus-PF Changs, In and Out, Jerry's Deli, El |
| pizza, the teenagers have great fun tasting the | | | | Torito, just to name a few, but ones mentioned |
| gourmet calzones, the grandparents love the grilled | | | | handled our large group with the widest menu |
| chicken dishes and I'm content with the vegetarian | | | | choices and the most accommodating service staff. |
| fare. Even my picky brother-in-law finds something | | | | |