Most of the restaurants I’ve reviewed so far have been franchises, so I’ve decided to get an opinion on food from someone who enjoys more unique cuisine. My friend Sam has blacklisted chain restaurants; he’s decided only to eat at places that are one-of-a-kind. I interviewed him to understand why he’s made this commitment.
Me: How long have you been refusing to eat at chain restaurants?
Sam: Since sometime last winter.
Me:Why did you decide to do this?
S: I don’t like the food they serve and the commercial attitude of it.
Me: What is your favorite thing about small, local restaurants?
S: They come up with their own menus, use fresh ingredients, and focus on a particular style of cooking.
Me: Is there anything you dislike about them?
S: No.
Me: How do you decide what restaurants to check out?
S: I’m open to anything unless it’s a franchise. There are some exceptions. For example, Fire and Ice is a chain, but it’s okay.
Me: What is your favorite local restaurant?
S: Probably Mango, it’s this Thai place in Milford.
Since Sam recommended Mango, I decided to take my friend Casey, who usually eats at chain restaurants, to eat dinner there. After the meal, I interviewed her about her experience with unique local food.
Me: What did you think of the restaurant’s exterior appearance?
Casey: It was very bright and enthusiastic.
Me: Would you have gone there on your own?
C: I probably wouldn’t have because I don’t usually eat Thai food.
Me: What did you like or dislike about the restaurant’s atmosphere? What could they add or change?
C: The seats where the wrong pattern of fabric, and the service near the end was very slow.
Me: How was the overall service?
C: It was good until we needed the check, then it took forever.
Me: Describe what you ordered.
C: I ordered Thai rolls and Rad Nah, which is a mix of noodles and veggies with chicken and shrimp.
Me: Was it what you expected? Did you like your meal?
C: Yes, my meal was delectable!
Me: What was your favorite part of your dining experience?
C: My drink, a Cherry Temper, was cute and tasty! Also, I loved the presentation of the food.
Me:What was your least favorite part?
C:I would have changed the service.
Me: Would you go back or recommend it to others?
C: Most definitely!
Me: Did eating at Mango inspire to try other small, local restaurants?
C: Not really.
According to my friends, small restaurants are definitely worth checking out. Sometimes it can be hard to find local places that are really good, but once you do, they surpass franchises. Casey and I probably won’t be abstaining from chain restaurants anytime soon, but we’ll certainly be visiting Mango again.
Mango: ****
