Romano's Macaroni Grill, 27490 W. Lugonia Ave. Redlands, 92374 (909) 798-4142 (Citrus Plaza)

Sometimes I like Macaroni Grill (a lot), and sometimes I'm disappointed. I was not disappointed this afternoon. I had the Chicken Cannelloni ($8.79), which according to the Macaroni Grill website, is described as a "Hand-rolled pasta stuffed with oven-roasted chicken, melted cheese and spinach, then baked in an Asiago cream sauce. Topped with tomato sauce." I like the herb bread they bring with the olive oil and cracked pepper to dip the bread in. We went at 11:45 a.m., which if you have a flexible lunch hour works really well. I love asiago cheese, which made the Chicken Cannelloni. They brought me a piece of chocholate cake in fudge sauce that was excellent. For inventory-control purposes, it cost the princely sum of $.01. I, of course, have mixed-feelings for chains, but often they give a variety and consistency unavailable elsewhere. Chains contribute to the economy, too. If a franchise-owner lives in town, some of the profit stays. Both chains and local restaurants pay sales-tax. Chains create jobs. Half of the University of Redlands seems to work at Macaroni Grill. A debate for another day.