[Leo R.]

Delia Smith sells heaps of books here in Britain for a number of reasons.There are many people who can`t cook themselves a simple meal,many schools do not teach cookery.Some bright spark feels that it is not relevant to young people.I feel this is complete and utter bovine waste!!
I have seen lots of cookery books here in London,the majority are aimed at experienced/qualified chefs.Some contain terms that are not explained,the author assumes that the potential buyer will be familiar with them.I am lucky,being an experienced chef as well as holding an advanced diploma.
As for British people eating "bangers and mash",i would say to anyone come to Central London and be suprised.This opinion of Britain is very dated. There is something for everyone,irrespective of tastes,dietary requirements and affluence.Leo R.

[Mezzaluna]

Here, here, Leo.

I had some lovely meals in the Covent Garden neighborhood a few years ago. We ate only one "multicultural" meal- a great one in China Town- but everything else was creditable or better. I did have an abysmal steak and kidney pie in Windsor that trip, but it was a touristy pub and my expectations weren't very high to begin with.

[Britcook]

Originally posted by Leo R.
As for British people eating "bangers and mash",i would say to anyone come to Central London and be suprised.This opinion of Britain is very dated. There is something for everyone,irrespective of tastes,dietary requirements and affluence.Leo R.

Very true Leo, and not just of London. In fact nowadays the worst food tends to be the American "restaurant" imports, for instance that one that sounds Scottish, and any Italian owned coffee bar in London is a country mile better than *$.

[Athenaeus]

London is the best city in the world by far.I am prejudiced but it doesn't matter. I am the Queen of England after all
Seriously as Leo said, there is something for everyone there.
Even the Greek Restaurants there are the best in the world.
The " Real Greek " for example.

[cape chef]

I have a great deal of respect for the food coming out of London, But I don't think it's by far the best dining city in the world!

New York, San Francisco and Paris are finer dining destinations (IMHO)

I don't want to start a "city war" so to speak but for me New York rules in the culinary arena

[Athenaeus]

I don't know Cape Chef , maybe you are right.

Kitchen is an expensive sport and since the american dollar rules,it's kind of normal to lead.
BUT only in NYC Greek Restaurants (" Mylos" for example) have the nerve to serve grilled fish and sell this for Greek kitchen for 150$...
The " Real Greek" who cooks food like those recipes of Diane's Kochylas in " Glorious Foods of Greece", propably wouldn't make it in NYC

[cape chef]

Athenaues,
I didn't think we we're discussing only Greek restaurants.

Yes..you are right that New York can drain your wallet very easly,but I think no other city in the world can offer so much diversity in every price range.

It is a city whose heart beats with in ethnicisity (sp?)and so does it's food.

I think there are very citys anywhere in the world that can boast so much culinary and ehtnic styles of food with high quality

[Pongi]

My thought is that you must find in advance an agreement on what you mean with the words "eating well".
-Do you eat well in a place where the widest range of different culinary experiences can be made?
-Or in a place where there is the highest number of top restaurants?
-Or in a place where the average quality of meals is good and you're sure to eat well at any price?

The answer depends on your personal choice about this point.

I mean that great, rich, multicultural cities like NYC or SF or London could be considered the best if your answer is 1 or 2...but if your budget is low and you can afford only economic meals probably you'll not eat that well as the local culinary culture leaves a bit to be desired
On the other side, in Italy you have a lot of top restaurants and can also get almost everywhere a good meal for $ 20...but only if you're looking for Italian food as ethnic restaurants are lacking (immigration here is mostly illegal, only few foreigners are integrated and we cannot be defined a multicultural society yet). In example, Genoa (which has 800.000 inhabitants) has about 20 Chinese restaurants, 2-3 Arab restaurants, only 1 Indian restaurant and no Greek restaurants
So, no Italian city can be defined "the best place for eating" according to point 1...

In any case, if I should anyway give an answer, for the above mentioned reasons I would say Paris!

Pongi