10 Great Places for Foodies to Retire

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Ed of OH 3:50PM June 17, 2009

I was appalled by the editors choice to include Jacksonville FL on this list! As a midwestern transplant living in the beaches area 10 miles to the east, I will say that there is fresh fish at SELECT restaurants that definitely beats the store frozen variety in other parts of the country. But beware that there are only a few restaurants that know how to prepare it so we actually taste the fish. Most of what you get is the gloppy, overfried variety that pretty masks any fresh fish flavor.
The other and more crucial distaste I have for this article is that I DO consider myself a foodie and honestly have been hard pressed to find original top quality food here. Other than reliable chains like Roy's, P.F Changs and Ruths Chris that can be found in any major city, there is so little choice of unusual, unique culinary flavor here. The town cannot seem to have a breakfast joint that makes even simple vegetarian eggs benedict,or a dish that I cant make a home in ten minutes. The idea of fresh picked vegetables and herbs seems foreign and leaves of us craving genuine cuisine. The town cant really define its niche--perhaps its too new and doesn't know who it is yet.I'm still waiting after 7 years. So for all you foodies getting ready to retire DONT move here. It will depress you. Please pick another spot on this list. You will thank me!

Jasmine Syljebeck of FL 9:36PM June 14, 2009

Are you kidding? How could you fail to list Charleston, S.C.? Not only a foodie paradise, but a haven for retirees. What is the criteria for listing the mostly obscure towns on your list? Do you really think someone is going to retire to Walla Walla with its harsh weather and isolation? Give me a break!

Alex Hope of SC 5:19PM June 09, 2009

Rocky and Carlos has the best roast beef po-boy and baked macaroni that I have ever eaten. You get a great meal at a great price in a comfy environment. Only fifteen minutes from the French Quarters in New Orleans. Well worth the ride.

Liz of LA 4:15PM June 09, 2009

Salt Lake city Utah! Who would have thought! There are many locally owned food establishments in Salt Lake, offering everything for excellent Thai,Native American,Mexican, Indonesian cuisine that amaze even visitors for Los Angels and New York City! Laurie G.Sutherland, Salt Lake City, Utah

Laurie G' Sutherland of UT 2:54PM May 11, 2009

Louisiana. Think Baton Rouge and Lafayette as well as New Orleans. For seafood especially
think Mike Anderson's in Baton Rouge.

Lew Carter of LA 2:35PM May 05, 2009

I love McMinnville, Oregon. The town is quaint yet still offers amenities like a larger city, great food and entertainment. The Art & Wine Walk on the 3rd Saturday of each month is very entertaining.
I especially love to get together with my friends and sample the delicious tapas at the LaRambla restaurant. I keep discovering new local wines and Spanish wines with their amazing wine selection!

jeanne keys of MN 11:01AM May 05, 2009

Royal Oak, Michigan, reinvented itself 20 years ago. Today it boasts an artsy, upscale downtown with all kinds of restaurants, galleries, and boutiques lining its Main Street. In summer, when the outdoor cafes are full, you can pretend you're in Paris. If you love good food, you could eat in a different restaurant here daily for weeks ... Only problem, for retirees, would be the Michigan winters.
http://www.laferle.com

Cindy La Ferle of MI 8:09AM May 05, 2009

Every city has great restaurants..well almost all..It is not necessarily a good sign that locals are scurrying into a restaurant. Not everyone appreciates great food. Fast food places are jammed most of the time...Get my point? Walk the streets, check the menus and go for it...ALso check local eating guides. When you go to a new city ask friends where they have eaten when visiting.
Eating out is one of life's great pleasures regardless of the cost of the meal. TO me it is an evening out of the kitchen plus good conversation and people watching....

carol stanley of OR 7:38PM May 02, 2009

In New Orleans everyone eats and nearly everone cooks. The restaurants are back to pre-Katrina numbers. Since people here eat well; bad restaurants don't long endure. Prices are more than reasonable because with our low average income here; expensive restaurants are few and for tourists. You might not come because a fear of another Katrina; but if the question is where can retirees eat well for less; the answer is New Orleans.
PS not in the restaurant or tourism industry.
Retired bureaucrat.

r gambel of LA 1:26PM May 01, 2009