Maybe Five Guys needs a sixth

I tried out the new Five Guys Burgers and Fries in Riverside on Saturday. It's across from Publix where Qdoba the fake Mexican Grill used to be. Let's just say it was fine, whatever. Eh. Maybe they need another guy (or a gal) to give them advice on making things tastier. I dunno, I'm not a food critic. Have you eaten there yet? What did you think?

Maybe I'm just jaded because the burgers my neighbor grilled the other day were far superior. They were fresh venison mixed with Maverick Ranch buffalo, and we put them on Publix French hamburger rolls. I know, French hamburger sounds like an oxymoron, but they're good. His wife whipped up some ranch dressing and we had some Alexia rosemary and olive oil fries that come frozen. They were better than Five Guys' fries.

I think Five Guys is (maybe) a step up from the Qdoba that was there before, but I wish something memorable would move in. You know, somewhere I'd be excited about eating. Somewhere that contributes to the area's distinctness.

That brings me to another rant... What's with the invasion of chains? Why can't we get more interesting independent places? Is the rent too high for creative, local entrepreneurs to have a chance? I'll look into how much the rent is over there.

Independent businesses tend to offer more variety. Take Primi Piatti on Park Street, for instance. The handmade gnocchi with Gorgonzola sauce is fantastic, as are the desserts made by the owner. The desserts have a distinct European flair - not too sweet. It's not the same old blah Italian fare you can get anywhere. And 13 Gypsies is great, too. We need more restaurants like them that aren't boring and mediocre. I hate being a dining drone! And it's not in the spirit of Riverside.

OK, I'll get off my soapbox now.