re: Is food disappointing outside of La?

New Orleans has a world class and varied food scene. People take vacations to New Orleans for food. The food of Acadiana is unique. North Louisiana is no different than the rest of the South. Baton Rouge isn't any better than Mobile.

Outside LA, most places do something well. DC, NYC, SF, Chicago are all as good as NOLA. Internationally, I find the quality of food improves greatly as you get away from other tourists.