Rich pickings on the road
By CNN's Richard Quest
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (CNN) -- A quick note from the road. It is astonishing that although the scenery has changed, from beaches to mountains to deserts, so much of American life remains the same.
Especially when it comes to eating on the road.
Now, I am not talking about just McDonald's or Wendy's which are just about everywhere. Rather the vast number of other chains that try to give you the feeling you have just entered the one and only.
Take for instance the Cracker Barrel store -- a southern chain which makes its business by offering good home country cooking.
And truth be told, the fried chicken special on a Sunday is very good indeed.
But it's the ubiquitous nature of the store which I find rather depressing.
The fact that it tries so very hard to make you feel that you are attending a rustic unique event when there is a Cracker Barrel across the country.
Here in Albuquerque we have dined tonight at Applebee's. Another such chain restaurant, although this time without the oldy worldy feel.
My producer Ryan Cooper, who I frankly think spends far too much time in these chain restaurants, knew the menu off by heart.
Not that it's a crime. But it shows just how these stores have nearly killed off any individuality of eating establishment short of a diner or pizza parlor.
If McDonald's is considered too fast food, then these restaurants are considered a suitable place to dine (if not just eat!)
Of course, you will be shrieking that T.G.I. Friday's was a similar store, as is Houston's and a host of others.
But I do think there is something different these days. There are so many of them that you rarely ask at the hotel for "that nice local place where we might see something different."
We fly mega-airline, we check into mega-hotel, we watch mega-network and we eat at, well, mega-chain.
Oh yes, one thing hasn't changed: The sheer number of choices being throttled out every time we order. Let me give you an example -- I'll spare the chain its blushes.
1. What would I like to drink? (Lemonade.)
 |  Ryan Cooper: Knows the menu off by heart. |
2. What would I like to eat? (Fried chicken.)
3. What dressing would I like on my side salad? (Choice of five!)
4. What side orders would I like with my chicken? (choice of ... well I lost count.)
5. Would I like creamy or brown gravy? (If you please!)
6. Would I like biscuits, corn muffins or bread?
7. Would I like a soup to start?
Please, please, please -- I want a meal, not 20 questions.
