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I think this is absolutely correct. The cheesesteak I had at one of the allegedly original places was the worst I’ve ever had anywhere. A fast food cheesesteak

I think this is absolutely correct. The cheesesteak I had at one of the allegedly original places was the worst I’ve ever had anywhere. A fast food cheesesteak is better. Similarly, Seaside is a major beach/ocean tourist destination in Oregon. It has some of the worst seafood restaurants I’ve ever been at, and I think laziness is the reason.

barry-cotter 7y ago
Tyler Cowen’s guide to finding good food in America boils down to “If there’s something about this restaurant that makes it more pleasant that isn’t about the food that’s weak evidence the food isn’t that good” If the interior decor is good, or the location is convenient or in a hip neighbourhood, or the wait staff are young and attractive, or the service is impeccable they have something going on that isn’t just about the food. If the only thing they’re selling is good food then it’s going to be good because there’s no other reason to go there.
- ThePadawan 7y ago
  That is one of thr most poignant lessons I made growing up. I knew a few of the local and regional beers, and at one point noticed an ad for one of the larger brands. Not for a new product, just their standard lager. At that point, someone told me that clearly, they must have an inferior product to those other brands I also knew. Clearly, customers are aware of those without the need for advertising. So they must be a good product.
propter_hoc 7y ago
Well, this is true that the known tourist destinations can rest on their laurels and provide mediocre fare, and I agree that Pat's and Geno's in Philly are in this camp. However, in a city where everyone eats cheesesteaks, you will also find some fantastic cheesesteaks like Jim's, which are probably as good or better than cheesesteaks anywhere else in the world. If I were in Japan, I wouldn't necessarily expect that the best sushi is at the most known tourist destinations, but I would expect that the overall quality of sushi is better than in any other country.

barry-cotter 7y ago

Tyler Cowen’s guide to finding good food in America boils down to “If there’s something about this restaurant that makes it more pleasant that isn’t about the food that’s weak evidence the food isn’t that good” If the interior decor is good, or the location is convenient or in a hip neighbourhood, or the wait staff are young and attractive, or the service is impeccable they have something going on that isn’t just about the food. If the only thing they’re selling is good food then it’s going to be good because there’s no other reason to go there.

ThePadawan 7y ago
That is one of thr most poignant lessons I made growing up. I knew a few of the local and regional beers, and at one point noticed an ad for one of the larger brands. Not for a new product, just their standard lager. At that point, someone told me that clearly, they must have an inferior product to those other brands I also knew. Clearly, customers are aware of those without the need for advertising. So they must be a good product.

propter_hoc 7y ago

Well, this is true that the known tourist destinations can rest on their laurels and provide mediocre fare, and I agree that Pat's and Geno's in Philly are in this camp. However, in a city where everyone eats cheesesteaks, you will also find some fantastic cheesesteaks like Jim's, which are probably as good or better than cheesesteaks anywhere else in the world. If I were in Japan, I wouldn't necessarily expect that the best sushi is at the most known tourist destinations, but I would expect that the overall quality of sushi is better than in any other country.