I haven't seen better grocery or cheese stores anywhere else in the US, or in Switzerland (there's stores with some better cheeses, but nothing with the range and variety).
I've seen as good or better grocery or cheese shops in Chicago, but as much as I dislike SFBA for variuous reasons, there's no shortage of good (if usually vastly overpriced) restaurants.
Ever been to Berkeley Bowl? I have French family, so I have been there a lot (grew up in Germany, though). French supermarkets are astonishing (especially compared to Germany), but Berkeley Bowl really is something else.
Growing up, it was sometimes hard to know which part of the woods was in France and which in Switzerland. So yes, I have been there, a few hundred times.
You, clearly haven't been to those places I listed or you wouldn't have made that statement (and yes, Berkeley is atypical for the US).
What?
Exhibit A: http://www.berkeleybowl.com/ Exhibit B: http://cheeseboardcollective.coop/ [exhibits C through Z on demand]
I haven't seen better grocery or cheese stores anywhere else in the US, or in Switzerland (there's stores with some better cheeses, but nothing with the range and variety).