I've gotten a lot of questions from friends back home asking about the food here. Overall its ok. What you see above is one of a few traditional British meals, fish and chips. That they are very good at. Shepherd's pie - good. Beef stews - good. Some things, though, the Brits just can't get right. Popcorn - I been to the movies a few times since I've been here. Once solo and once with some friends. The first time I went I ordered popcorn and a diet coke. The cashier asked me "salty or sweet?". I said, "um..what?". She replied "the popcorn, salty or sweet?". I said oh definitely salty. I was so thrown off and confused by this question that I didn't even think to ask for extra butter (yes, I'm a fat kid at heart). I didn't make this mistake the next time I went. I ordered popcorn for my friends and I and said, SALTY! with enthusiasm. I hesitated for a second, contemplating how "stupid American" I would feel if they actually don't do this, but then said "do you have extra butter?". The popcorn fetcher just looked at me, smiled, demonstrating her superiority (because clearly she is getting me popcorn, what could I possibly have on her?), and said, "ha. No." BLAST. Also, they don't have goobers!! Ugh. Movie food- not ok.
Pancakes - I was just told that next Tuesday is pancake Tuesday. I replied with the phrase that is a staple in my diet here: "um..what?". "Pancake Tuesday. I believe you call it Fat Tuesday." Ahh...marti gras. Not huge here apparently. What is huge here (in this country of God-less Prodestants) is getting pancakes with - brace yourselves - lemon juice and crunchy sugar. I know, I almost threw up too when I heard that. Also, they aren't REAL pancakes, they are like creps. Not impressed.
Mexican - I don't even know where to begin with this one, except that it sucks. Even at the best places, its mediocre. I'm pretty sure I should give up on the restaurants and start making my own Mexican, and if you know how much I cook, you will really appreciate how serious I am about this. Actually...that might be a project for when Mike and Liz come. Christian family Mexican fun night.
All this talk about food is making me really hungry. Today I'm going to explore a salad place I found (they don't have that many around here so this is amazing) called "Pure California". I found it yesterday and came back to the office so excited. My co-worker asked me if I was just magically drawn to all places American. I said, yes, its a gift.
4 comments:
It sounds like you need a good New Jersey Greek Diner over there, at the very least. If we could figure out how to ship you meals from Mr. Assante's we could keep you from starving. We'll add Goobers to the next care package along with a to-go order from Perkins.
Ya estoy planificando nuestra cena mexicana.
they do have the best chips over there! seriously. i came home and tried to cook the british style chips 3 different ways and they don't taste the same. it must be the combo of the grease from the shepherds pie that made them so wonderful.
ps. i have a wonderful recipe for mexican burritos that i will send along for your "cooking with kat" experience :)
leave it to pork to post about food! miss you!
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