Amazing thread… but I think that many posters are juggling around various concepts that seem to get mixed up and belong in separate categories and perhaps separate discussions.

To state the obvious, absolute judgments are usually absolute rubbish…. I think that anybody that has been able to travel the world and work with a proper dining budget, and has done this for at least a few years will have to agree that there are a couple of Foodie Capitals of the World… these are cities where you can find outstanding foods that can compete in the “big leagues”. I think each real Foodie has his/her own list of Capitals.

I think it’s simply silly to even discuss chain restaurants in a real quality food thread. No, I don’t look down on chain restaurants, I enjoy various, but these places are just eateries…. go in or drive through, get automated service, get production line standardized food, pay and leave. You don’t get much more than that and honestly, you’re not supposed to….. my motto is don’t ask a chain restaurant to offer what it wasn’t designed to give.

And I have to agree with those that have posted that an excellent meal is an excellent meal, no matter where it is served. The US has many top Restaurants, but its up there with many other countries that offer it stiff competition.