I think what he's trying to say is that regardless of where you go in Italy, most of the food is consistent and damn good. Chefs typically have the same style and technique, so he's right about a dish like cacio and pepe. It's going to be amazing at most places, unless you're in a shitty tourist trap in Rome, for instance. But in the US, you can have highly rated restaurants that are actually dogshit and can't hold a candle to some random place in Italy. I'm lucky to have a really good French restaurant nearby, with a quality chef who studied in France, but most other towns wouldn't be so lucky.
I don't think Americans have a good understanding of what good food actually is. Most of my friends do not. Which is sad, because they have been to Europe. But if you prefer some silly Murican seafood boil with shrimp and corn on the cob over an excellent bouillabaisse because "it's too watery", I think you should just stay in the bbq line next to the local Walmart.
Yessir. I'm huge burger fan and has become a major craving food for me, especially with a good Pinot Noir. I usually make a blue cheese sauce as well.
I know you've mentioned this before. But don't knock a good burger. If you're ever in Paris, hit up
Il était un burger in the 5th. It might just change your mind.