It'd be interesting to break this down a bit further.

If you live in a city that has quite a few Michelin stars, have the restaurants in that class gotten better or worse over time?

If you live in a city that has a vibrant streetfood or food truck scene, has that level of eatery gotten better or worse?

Have your mom & pop sidewalk cafes gotten better or worse?

(Not exactly food... ) how has your local craft brew, wine, or cocktail scene evolved?

And finally: what about just access to good fresh groceries, farmer's markets, local meats, etc.?


My $0.02 is that things have improved over time across most categories...only thing I can't really comment on is the Michelin star level. (Michelin won't give my favorite burnt-ends shack any stars...total hose job. )