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Unit 2

EATING AND DRINKING

CULTURAL POINTS

Americans are very specific when ordering food and will not
hesitate to complain or send food back if they don't get what they
want. This is not considered rude.

EATING OUT

Americans eat out frequently, because it is generally affordable
and convenient. Most American cities have a wide range of eating
options, from well-known fast-food joints to all-you-can-eat
buffets, to specialty and ethnic restaurants. While specialty
restaurants are much more common in larger cities, even smaller
cities have at least an Italian, a Chinese, or a Mexican restaurant.
But influences from other cultures have made their way into
everyday American eating habits, too.

PICKY, PICKY

Most Americans seem really picky about their food in
restaurants. Many people are on diets, or have allergies to food, so
they will order their coffee with 2% milk, their bagel with non fat
cream cheese, or their salad with the dressing on the side.
Most eating establishments are happy to make changes or sub-
stitutions. There may be a small charge for a substitution.
Ordering food in an American restaurant may be something of
an ordeal to someone new to the experience. Diners are always
faced with a lot of questions. Main courses usually come with
vegetables and rice or potatoes, so you will be asked, "Soup or
salad?" "Baked potato, fries, or rice?" "What dressing would you
like with that? Italian, blue cheese, French, ranch, honey mustard?"
The list can be endless.
Breakfast is probably the most daunting meal in terms of