How Much Does Food Cost in Europe?

When I returned from our spring trip, I was quite surprised at the high cost of food in the U.S. Eating, it seemed to me, was better and cheaper in Italy and France than it was here in the states. How could that be with the dollar so weak?

So I went to French and Italian restaurants in the area to compare prices with similar restaurants in Europe, and today have finally calculated some typical food costs. See the results in How Much Does Food Cost in Europe?

And, not exactly related to the above, perhaps you're wondering about the current prices of gas in Europe?