NOT a big city, but do you ever get to the East coast Portland? They've been a gourmet spot for a few years, though obviously more limited in options than the big cities.
Maine, where people from Downeast are confused when the natives say, "Ya kant get theh-ah from hee-ah," and tell you to go to Portland or LA when you hit Beans in Freeport.*
I might have spent some time there.

*Portland, ME and Lewiston-Auburn.