Best Food City in America

What's America's Next Great Food City?

January 31, 2011

Columbus, Ohio Skyline What's Columbus, OH, got going for it? According to The Washington Post, a lot. It's poised to become America's next big food city. Writes Jane Black, "The once-conservative Ohio capital has blossomed into a certified food lovers' town, with serious cocktails and microbrews, pastries worthy of Paris, fantastical ice cream flavors . . . and extraordinary food shopping."

The boldness of her statement got me thinking about what other US locales have proven themselves worthy food destinations. I'd personally argue Austin, TX — it's known for everything from barbecued brisket to crêpes to breakfast tacos. What town do you think has what it takes to become America's next big food city?

Source: Thinkstock

8 Comments

2 years 15 weeks

Right state, but wrong city. People may hate on Cleveland for a lot of things, but it is truly a foodie city. Iron chef Michael Symon has 3, soon to be 4 restaurants here, We have Food and Wine's best new chef for 2010 in Jonathon Sawyer, and amazing ethnic eateries all around northeast Ohio.

gingrlj 2 years 15 weeks

I agree with Portland Oregon as a new happening place. Aside from the food carts (which are rad all in it's own thing) the trends of old school cocktails, and newer fresher takes on Pac-North West food flavors are really nice.

fuzzles 2 years 15 weeks

Susannah, Minnesota (the Twin Cities in particular) has the largest Somali population in the nation. That really adds another great layer of flavor to the awesomeness that already exists! :drool:

snarkypants 2 years 15 weeks

columbus, really? i must have gone to all of the wrong places...

2 years 15 weeks

It might be one already, but I think Portland, OR. I've had many great meals there and I looove the whole food cart revolution happening.

Katie Sweeney 2 years 15 weeks

I think my hometown of Petaluma, California is going to be the next big wine country city.

Susannah Chen 2 years 15 weeks

Fuzzles, my friend swears by the Ethiopian in Minneapolis!

fuzzles 2 years 15 weeks

Minneapolis-Home of the Juicy Lucy! You may need nipple warmers six months out of any given year, but man, we have some good eats! Lots of incredible Mom and Pop restaurants, every type of cuisine and price range available. And then there are the walleye, small breweries, local cheeses and apples, wild rice, and the many food celebrations/festivals and farmers markets during the summer and fall. Hummmmina hummmmina!!!

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8 Comments

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