I would throw Nigerian food in the mix as well. Houston is doing a lot of the heavy lifting on diversity of flavors conversation.
There’s some bomb Burmese as well and a Thai joint I’ve never been to just won the James beard for best chef texas. It’s basically a gas station.
If diversity of cuisine is the measure, then California and New York are going to beat the ever living fuck out any of those three states mentioned.
You will be able to find whatever you want in those states. Will it be the best ever? I don't think so. Whenever we have these debates, it always comes down to the same four cities or countries. In reality, many folks outside the normal Western idea of elite cuisine are killing the game in their own right. It also annoys the fuck out of me that people think everything in Louisiana is Cajun food. I don't know what started that idea necessarily, but it's flat out wrong.
That's why I made the initial comment that these discussions are pointless because of the level of subjectivity involved. Miami, for example, kills it with Latin American and Caribbean food. As a Cuban guy married to a Jamaican woman, I'm partial to those cuisines. It doesn't mean Miami is the greatest food city in the country.
I also think we should put some respect on what the Carolinas do. From the BBQ instate to the seafood on the coast those folks know how to cook.
Not even sure what the considered unique cuisine of this area is, but I’m a little seafood slut and I’ll take cuisine created from Alaskan byproduct over that trifecta all day.
i do think theres a way to think about objectively who has the best and breadth. Owamni here wins all the awards and is fantastic. Indigenous like near fine dining.
but yes to any individual person the best food city will matter on their personal tastes even if you can objectively find the most likely best cities
If we’re using JB, then Philly just won best restaurant. Friday Saturday Sunday is truly incredible if any of you have a chance to go. Philly also brought home 2 other awards this year.
Spain is probably my #3 behind Japan and France. The majority of Spanish chefs I know personally trained in France but much of the same could be said for El Bull's/Arzak/Can Roca's influence in France. LA is easily the #1 city for me in the U.S. and that's considering I'm absurdly Nola biased.
FSS is really good, but we found state bird provisions in San Fran, for example, was better. (May just be our experience, menu at the time etc) Philly def has a good food scene though.
when were you at FSS? this development of them skyrocketing is only with the new owners, chef, and menu. menu is prix fixe now but previously it was a la carte so that would be the tell
Pizzeria Beddia was awesome in Fishtown in Philly when it was the small two man shop but the last time I went while still really good lost some of its charm.
it was prix fixe, I think summer of 21 is when we went. Not saying it was bad by any means, just have had slightly better, but things like that are always subjective and at least somewhat dependent on how you mesh with the menu.
totally agreed. my wife and i went in 2023 and it was one of the best meals we've ever had. every dish was perfect and we loved which almost never happens for us on a long prix fixe menu. we recently went to 3 starred Addison and i thought FSS was better.
Dearest Caitlin, i'm a tactile learner myself. physically touching some size 16 G cups and comparing those to size 8 would really help complete this lesson for me.