[Huntress]

For example, your typical white New Yorker would never be caught dead in an Applebees or Olive Garden.

Why is this? Olive Garden and Applebees are very popular where I am, but then again I'm in Kansas City. Having lived on the east coast, I realize there is a big cultural difference between there and the midwest.

[Clemenza]

1. New Yorkers (at least those in the city and the close-in suburbs) view chain restaurants as being bland and square."

2. With so many outstanding independent restaurants (both low-cost & expensive), what's the point of going to the chains?

BTW: I always have a problem in KC, as my clients insist on barbecue all the time (not my thing).

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Eastern snobbery is its own reward.