TGI Friday's - Northampton

Should you feel an American moment coming on get straight into the mood at a TGI Friday's. First thought of in New York in 1965, introduced to UK in 1986, they now, like so many other American concepts, are to be found on a global basis.

In many ways TGI are more representative of the American approach to eating out than some of their imitators. Their food is fresh, the portions are generous and the cocktail list goes on for ever. They also tend to represent the all-American classlessness that can produce a meal at any time, for any social group, for any reason, under the same roof, no problem! Now, whilst we all know that is less than the whole truth, it's not a bad summary, and TGI is growing in Britain.

So what's on offer? The quick answer is it depends rather on where you are and menus do vary from one restaurant to another, but the essential message stays the same - American grub, fella! Appetizers - no starters please - could include Jack Daniel's wings, chicken wings coated in Jack Daniel's sweet 'n' smoky glaze, or crispy green bean fries, a bucket of Cajun-battered green beans, with a South-West sour cream dip.

For a group assault try the Times Square Big Share, more of Jack Daniel's wings, cheese and bacon skins to the very brim, with crispy breaded mozzarella dippers and served with a battery of accoutrements.

The steaks are awesome, topping out with a 16oz T-Bone. A range of burgers, ribs, chicken, fish, sandwiches, fajitas, salads and pasta embraces virtually every known twist in the cuisine of American cooking. Chocolate fudge fixation perhaps sums up best, but by no means exclusively, the TGI approach to desserts.

From a list of over 500 cocktails, all mixed with exuberant charm, let's take just one. You thought Long Island Iced Tea was something polite Americans sipped after some gentle sailing? Think again. Vodka, gin, rum and orange liqueur, topped up with Pepsi, spin and pour. As with all cocktails you can choose between regular or ultimate, no questions asked. Beer, wine and soft drinks cover enormous range.

The coffee is invariably good, which is perhaps just as well.

Remember, to be sure of variations between different TGI Friday's, call up beforehand. But wherever you go and whatever you choose you are highly unlikely to be disappointed if you like the American way of eating.