These chain stores are proliferating under such names as Red Mango, Swizzles, Pinkberry, etc.

FORBES: Brand Durability Challenged

But since the menus are decided by committee every day with input from French-American sous-chef Philippe Shapiro and others, dishes can veer in any direction, such as the crowd-pleasing Vietnamese-style lobster salad with vermicelli, mango, and a carrot vinaigrette that turned up as a starter one night.

FORBES: Home Ranch Clark, Colorado

Start with savouries such as smoked pastrami salmon sticks or peanut butter maple bacon dates at the upstairs Treehouse Bar, then descend to dine on specialties such as potted duck and foie gras served in a jar, pork chops served with cumin bacon and mango chutney, or dry-aged steaks.

BBC: Business trip: New York City