Originally Posted by
gfunkdave
I think this happened long ago. When I lived in SF (2001-2003), Food & Wine magazine had just ranked Chicago #2 for fine dining in the country, edging SF down to #3.
It makes sense that Chicago should take over SF. It's bigger, more historic, more resources, and probably richer. Historically, the debate has been SF vs NYC, but I do think SF is really stagnating these days.
I eat out quite a bit here, and what are the "top places" in the city? Michael Mina, Gary Danko, Fleur de Lys, Masas', Aquerello, Dining room at Ritz Carlton. These have been the same places for years. Nothing new. Certainly their cuisines are not dramatically different. Very similar. Lots of stagnation..
Chicago has some very exciting places that are really leading the field. It's not just same old, same old. I think Chicago has the potential to even overtake NYC.