City with the most vibrant food/restaurant scene? (best, state, better)
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OK we know New York has the top reputation and San Francisco also rides high when it comes to culinary delights. Chicago remains a player, and Philly is the new kid. L.A. will always have enough money to compete, and New Orleans remains a treat. Dallas has killer BBQ and Miami has a unique sense of style, while Boston does seafood right. D.C. may have lots of formal dining, but does it rank?
I want to know, which city has the most vibrant food/restaurant scene as of summer 2011.
As a point of reference, Zagat.com runs blogs for Boston, Chicago, DC, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco - www.zagat.com/buzz
I'm kicking it off by voting for the home team - Philly. Here's my argument, made for me by Food and Wine magazine. Also a good set of criteria for judging the other cities.
All are unique. I voted for San Francisco however it is not limited to just SF, but the Bay Area. Their cuisine is extrordinary. Portland, OR has a very up and coming food scene.
The other day a (very talented) chef here is Philly presented his view to me: NY has 50 restaurants Philly cannot touch. San Francisco, 10 Philly cannot touch. Chicago, 5 Philly cannot touch. He puts Philly 4'th, but he was really critical of Stephen Starr which might explain the starkness of his statement. I think Vetri is likely the best Italian restaurant in the whole country, that's a good start. Morimoto Philly was the original, and remains the site of one of the most decadent dinners I have ever had, anywhere. Philly cannot touch NY or SF for French cuisine (well, what Fountain used to be could compete, but no more... same for Le Bec Fin), nor can it compete at the very highest level of Steaks but other types of cuisine fare better especially 'American' cuisine and Italian, and there are great examples in many other categories.
The other day a (very talented) chef here is Philly presented his view to me: NY has 50 restaurants Philly cannot touch. San Francisco, 10 Philly cannot touch. Chicago, 5 Philly cannot touch. He puts Philly 4'th, but he was really critical of Stephen Starr which might explain the starkness of his statement. I think Vetri is likely the best Italian restaurant in the whole country, that's a good start. Morimoto Philly was the original, and remains the site of one of the most decadent dinners I have ever had, anywhere. Philly cannot touch NY or SF for French cuisine (well, what Fountain used to be could compete, but no more... same for Le Bec Fin), nor can it compete at the very highest level of Steaks but other types of cuisine fare better especially 'American' cuisine and Italian, and there are great examples in many other categories.
Good analogy, but I'd say those #'s are actually higher. I've done my fair share of eating out in all 3 of those. I'd still have to put LA solidly over Philly as well.
When was the last time you ate out in Philly? The last two years alone have made a huge difference, and of course you do need to know where to go, any old restaurant will not do, not in any city. FWIW my wife writes for Zagat and I'm quite immersed in the whole food debate. I am a traveling architectural photographer and I've been to most major American cities, and I make a point of dining out. My personal feeling is that Philly is creeping up on Chicago for the rank of #3 after NY and SF. The last few years have been exceptional for Philly, and it's no fluke... it's the future.
I know it's a silly distinction, but there are two Iron Chefs out of Philly now. I don't agree with the assessment that Philly is behind. I thought I'd share what the chef said, but it is an exaggeration, not an understatement... and plenty of other informed critics don't agree with that assessment.
Quote:
Originally Posted by grapico
Good analogy, but I'd say those #'s are actually higher. I've done my fair share of eating out in all 3 of those. I'd still have to put LA solidly over Philly as well.
I'm kicking it off by voting for the home team - Philly. Here's my argument, made for me by Food and Wine magazine. Also a good set of criteria for judging the other cities.
I like this article and largely agree but imo another extremely important criteria that defines a great food city is Exceptional Food at Any Budget Level.
I really have to second that one. Chinese food in SF is mind-blowing. Pastrami in Manhattan, equally ethereal. Philly Cheese Steaks, not quite on the same level but famous. Any city that has good slices in abundance is a great city. Mexican foo in L.A., mmmm. My only disappointment in the cheap food category was Chicago hot dogs, I guess I like my Nathan's or Sabrette, with natural casing.
Philly has byzantine liquor laws that created an unusually large and high-quality collection of BYO restaurants. That's a high point of the city but they are all tiny places. Little Fish comes to mind when I think of a budget, top quality meal.
I will also nominate Philly for best burger, seriously. I did a burger roundup and never in my life have I had such great examples of the sandwich. The ultimate? The 1/2 pound 'Supper Burger' Supper Philly Dinner
Quote:
Originally Posted by 18Montclair
I like this article and largely agree but imo another extremely important criteria that defines a great food city is Exceptional Food at Any Budget Level.
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