That's a tough one. Most big cities have at least a few first rate restaurants (I even ate in one in Wilmington, DE once, although I can't remember its name) and every city has its partisans.

Three cities on your must list, in my humble opinion, ought to be New York, San Francisco and New Orleans. But I am sure there are those who disagree with me.

Good luck. And bring long pants and a jacket. Many of the best restaurants won't let you in wearing shorts and a jersey. That's why most NYCC club rides, weather permitting, include lunch made in a deli and enjoyed al fresco.

If on your year away from Britain and its secoind national dish of Indian food, you could do a lot worse than go to the Jackson Diner in Queens. It's the best Indian food I've had on this side of the Pond. The Karma Cafe in Hoboken is a close second, otherwise you will find most of the Indian restaurants over here distinctly bland compared with what you will find in England.

"If you want to crank up the spice, but are bored with the standard issue pad thai, pedal over to Sripraphai, also in Jackson Heights. It just got ""discovered"" by the NY Times, so there's usually a bit of a wait, but they have also recently expanded their quarters. As do i whenever i eat there.

They're just off Roosevelt Ave at about 64th St. 718-899-9599 BYOB. Closed Weds and last order at 9. Helpful pictures on the menu for easy ordering.

While we're on the subject (of course food is cycling related!) can you hip me to the best places in England to eat? it's my homeland, you see, and while i've refueled with many a tasty pub meal, and enjoyed some good dim sum in Manchester, even the new British cuisine seems to be hit or miss. Thank goodness for Indians! I know things are improving in other areas but do send me your list of favorites.

cheers!
Cat"

How can you visit the US and not eat at a Denny's? I recommend the one in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Or even an Elias' Big Boy.

Well, I suppose one ought to go to Pink's in LA to end the trip. And one might as well start at Walters in Mamaroneck. That would neatly bookend the trip. If one got peckish in the middle, Demon Dogs in Chicago would be ok.

And the Suomi Cafe in Houghton, Michigan is nice. Go on Friday, because that's the only day they serve the rice porridge.

Ok, I have to admit that my contributions on curry did help push this thread off course. However, you have to bear in mind that as a people, we English actually enjoy all types of food when we travel, but it is a universal truth that when an Englishman or woman spends any time out of the country, one of the first things they will do is check out where you can get a decent curry. But that will not stop them from delving into everything else that is available.

I haven't spent enough time in Florida to comment on cuisine there, but I remember enjoying eating fish of all types in San Francisco and having one of the best pizzas I've ever had in La Jolla, but I cannot remember the name of the Pizzeria - it was at least 15 years ago.

>Barbacoa, a dish traditional to South Texas made from meat by products from a cow's head and other parts.

That explains the Mad Cowboy.

>other parts.

If one is adventurous off the bike, don’t forget to try the Rocky Mountain Oysters.

Patricia, how about organizing an eating tour? I would sign up immediately (forgoing the cow brains, however).

In California, my favorite Mexican dishes are fish tacos (corn tortilla, fried fish, lettuce, tomato, lime, cream) and ceviche tostadas doused in lime and red onion. The ones I had in Anaheim, at a converted A&W rootbeer stand a couple miles north of Disneyland, brought tears of joy for just $3.99. Look to see if the locals eat there.

In the midwest, avoid the chain restaurants and bland buffets in favor of homestyle diners. I remember homemade apple pie in Kansas that was truly heartwarming. And the smell and sway of the cornfields.

"Burgoo and Barbacoa? Somebody's been listening to the Kitchen Sisters on NPR!

http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/hiddenkitchens/"

I'm up for a culinary tour of the southwest...if I were a better cyclist I'd arrange for us to go through NM (my home state) My hillclimbing is pitiful though. If we want to do a coastal tour of chowders or Northeastern tours, I'd be up for a 3 day weekend this spring...

Re: Hidden kitchens...more than listening my dear...I'm from these parts, TX, NM, and travelled through others KY. If you don't ask what is in each dish (Tamale's are boiled pigs head...just visit the butcher shops of San Antonio to see an appetizing array)...the food can be divine.

I'll quite educating on content and just let you eat..I'll have to admit that it's better to not know what's in the sausage, even for an iron stomach like mine.

For those up for our own little culinary tour, you are invited to my house for a night of wine in front of the fireplace to plan ---bring your maps and favorite restaurants...send me an email and I'll organize a get-together after the holidays and before the sigs.

..or we could join our English friend for a stretch...?

"If we really feel the need to bring it ""back on track"", a quick look at the gent's website indicates that a rough track on which to align ourselves is already arranged that doesn't actually including anything in this part of the States. In fact, only the West Coast and some parts of North USA will be of any interest to the Hungry Cyclist at all..."