Chico’s

Haha. This is like me writing 5-​star reviews of the Chili’s I love in Alabama. I mean really: it’s a chain. It’s an overpriced chain. But it’s an AWESOME US-​style chain with the requisite 347 menu items made up of 10 core ingredients. But it’s actually kind of unique in that you can take your screaming kid just because it’s «family friendly». So like anytime of the day I like I can just take my whack kid there and eat and no one will look at me funny or anything! Also, they have some innovative snacks. Their «vegetable sticks» are tempura carrot sticks and green beans and (waitforit) baby corm!!! GENIUS! And they come with some ridiculous aioli that I just eat with a spoon while my toddler cries because he wants to dip his sticks in it. Sorry, kid! Also — they have a lot for vegetarians/​gluten free/​lactose free/​special dietary needs. They get the fourth star because they are the first restaurant in Finland (yes…all of Finland) I have been to that hasn’t overdressed my salad with half a bottle of vegetable oil. The Grilled Vegetable salad is really good, and not just by «chain» standards. If I were to give a fair comparison, Memphis is a zero, Chico’s is a three (plus one if you have a kid and special dietary considerations). Their ingredients were surprisingly fresh, the service is amazing — polite and helpful and nice, it’s super clean and pleasant and comfortable. I think I perhaps judged this place a bit harshly without having visited. We live near a Chico’s in Helsinki, but I visited this one and it’s location in Sello is perfect for families or tired moms with cranky babies. Mom Tip: The wine is probably the best deal you’ll find. 6e for 16 cl. Not bad.