Local Restaurants Are Home To Local Culture Are chain restaurants all that bad? That's a tough question. The idea is that if a restaurant is good enough it should be reproduced and shared widely, right? What separates Red Lobster from Palisade? There are so many differences, the comparison is silly. Red Lobster is prepackaged, while Palisade is fresh-- created locally. Palisade's attention to detail is not present in the huge, corporate structure of Red Lobster. Olive Garden versus Serafina or Salute? Personal touches are missing at the Olive Garden. We all see on television commercials the inexpensive, semi-formal, national-chain, The Olive Garden-- and it is shown to be a great authentic Italian restaurant. We are all disappointed to find that it is just OK, and about as personal as the IRS.  Serafina and Salute have individual personalities right down to the smallest details. Which would you prefer: a pulled pork sandwich from Tony Roma's or a 520 Special at Dixie's? Tony Roma's, a large successful chain, can out-advertise and have a more diverse menu than the local rival, however, they do not have a local icon like "The Man" or ties to the community. Judging by the block-long line at Dixie's, the locals have spoken. Seattledining.com might tell readers to avoid some restaurants. But our goal is to find this personality-- find the Seattle in a Seattle Restaurant-- and share it with everybody. (In fact-- feel free to suggest restaurants to us!) We recommend that tonight or whenever you go out for dinner next, think of how you can make the night an event in Seattle Culture rather than filling a biological need. A chain may be nice and affordable, but will never, ever have fresh roses in the men's room (Serafina), have Russian Cabaret Music and a flowing water fountain (Continental), or waiters willing to have flowers at your table waiting for your date (Salute). Yes, everybody has to eat, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy it. --Ed Eibel, 5/99 P.S.  This month we explore the Eastside.  I know that our list of dining experiences is incomplete, so if there are any suggestions, e-mail them to me-- or, write a review or feature! Editor's note 2013: This story was a direct result of the citizens of Seattle voting Tony Roma's best ribs in Seattle. We just couldn't bear it.

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