+1

Pretty hard to generalize the states.

Some of my favorite food is served in New Orleans, though I wouldn't eat it every day for a year.

Each Region/State/City typically offers something unique and special. The same, of course, goes for regions around the world.

I, personally, prefer sushi at a couple of places in SF (Umami, Zushi Puzzle) compared to those I've visited in Japan. Someone from Japan would probably prefer authentic red bean curd balls from Kyoto, but I don't really have a palate for that sort of food. Someone from Nepal would probably prefer dahl bhat for every meal, rather than most food in the states. etc.

Having traveled much of the world (and the states) carrying American taste buds, I would say restaurants in Northern California really know what's up. I'm a foodie and diverse/inspirational cuisine is part of what brought be to the bay area. SF and surrounding areas (to the north) offer the broadest array of creative and fresh food that I know of.

Maybe the title of this thread should read, "If you had one Country or City to eat in for the rest of your life, where would you choose?" This would probably clear the air and allow us to put together a more objective FT reader food region of choice instead of the ole 'mine is better than yours' debate.