What I find interesting on this list is the juxtaposition of the two completely different styles of the top two restaurants, Alinea and Chez Panisse. Going from a place that serves burning leaves on bent wire during a 30 course palatte-sweating marathon of a tasting menu to a place that, due to its own influence, seems less spectacular as America's access to local farms and its return to cooking (somewhat--I know I'm pretty hopeful in saying that) grows is quite interesting. This is no judgement on whether either should or should not be there; it's just compelling that they be listed side by side. Like observing the Printing Press and the Mac right next to each other. So relevant to each other in such a strange way.
