There’s a popular game played here in Los Angeles that drives native residents crazy. The game is called “Everything Was Better Where I Came From” and it frequently involves food and an east coast city.*
Most transplants (myself included) have played this game and I’ll admit that it’s annoying. Well I’ve got good news, this game can work both ways, at least as far as my hometown is concerned.
My father told me that a Fatburger recently opened up in Massapequa Park, NY, which is about ten minutes from where I was grew up. This is the first one in the area so I made sure to tell him that Fatburger was way better than any stupid Long Island burger joint and he should go there immediately. He told me I had no idea what I was talking about (but not exactly in those words).
Now when I go home to see my family I can take them to Fatburger and while we’re there I can talk about how awesome the food is in Los Angeles. When they ask: “If you love LA so much, why don’t you go back there?” I can assure them that I will do just that.
*As Militant Angeleno will tell you, the idea that the your hometown is a culinary wonderland is pure nostalgic bullshit.