IV. Topic 'Meals'

American Food

What is American food? Hamburgers and hot dogs? Fried chicken and giant steaks? Well, yes. But spaghetti and pizza are American too, and so is sweet and sour pork. The fact is that Americans eat every kind of food imaginable. There are, for example, more than 1,000 Chinese restaurants in New York City alone.

As American as Apple Pie

At the same time, people in the States still like to think of some kinds of food as especially American. They like the idea of the American family sitting around the table eating turkey at Thanksgiving. They like to think of 'Mom' as the best cook in the world, even if their own mother never did much cooking. 'As American as apple pie', and 'Like Mother makes it' are popular expressions.

The truth is, though, that families in the US eat together less often than they used to. Instead of meeting at the dinner table, families often meet in the kitchen, around the refrigerator. There's no time for old-fashioned cooking. Quick snacks all through the day have taken its place. And to save trouble, people eat wherever they like, in the street, in front of the TV, or at their desks.

An enormous fast-food industry gives hungry Americans the snacks they want when they want them. Ice cream, popcorn, and hot dogs are on sale everywhere. Best known, perhaps, is the McDonald's hamburger business.

But if more and more Americans eat fast food, more and more Americans also worry about it. Fast food makes you fat, and Americans are the fattest people in the world. They are also the most interested in their health, and snack food is not healthy. The fashion for health food is growing all the time. Among middle-class people, salads, beans, and fruit have taken the place instead of steak and ice cream. Drinking is going down too. Only 67 per cent of adult drink alcohol at all, and one-third of those drink less than they used to. Smart businesspeople order mineral water, not wine, at their business lunches.

Being fat, in fact, can cause real problems for an American. He or she will find it harder to get a good job, or even to make friends. If you want to do well, you must be thin. It doesn't seem fair, does it? Advertisers and fast-food sellers scream at people to eat, eat, eat. But inside, there is another voice saying 'stop, stop, stop.'

The Story of McDonald's

1937 The McDonald brothers, Dick and Mack, open a little drive-in restaurant in Pasadena, California. They serve hot dogs and milk shakes.

1945 They have twenty waiters. All the teenagers in town eat hamburgers there.

1948 They get paper boxes and bags for the hamburgers. They put the price down from 30 cents to 15 cents. They cut the menu down from 25 things to only 9. There are no more waiter – it is self-service. And they have windows all around the kitchen – so everybody can see it is clean. Parents start bringing their children to the restaurant. Poor families eat at a restaurant for the first time.

1960s The McDonald's company opens hundreds of McDonald's restaurants all over the States.

1971. They open restaurants in Japan, Germany and Australia.

British meal

Understanding British meals is one of the great mysteries to a foreign visitor. Over the centuries, the British have shown a tendency to name and rename their meals, and to move them about the day in a random fashion. Further to confuse outsiders, they give different names to each meal depending on their social class and part of the country they live in.

Breakfast, which was once taken at 5 o'clock in the morning, can now be at any time before 11.30. It has thus overtaken dinner. In the 12^th century, dinner was at 9 am; by the 15^th century, it had moved to 11 am; and today it can be eaten at any time between the noon and 2.30. in the afternoon and is called lunch by a large proportion of the population especially in the middle and upper classes and people from southern Britain. Many farm labourers, however, who start work at sunrise and have their breakfast before they go to work, still stop for a lunch break at about 9 o'clock.

In the 14^th century, supper was at 4 o'clock – which is now called teatime. But outside the south-east of England, working families have tea or high tea at about 6 in the evening while the rest of their countrymen have dinner, which is often also called supper, at about 7.30.pm.

American foods

Americans have a wider assortment of foods to choose from than consumers in any other country do. Meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereals from various parts of the nation are available throughout the country during any season of the year. Frequently, the problem for the consumer is not the lack of variety of brands of food, but rather the bewildering assortment from which one must choose. In addition, the consumer can choose from foods that are fresh, frozen, canned and cooked or uncooked. Currently, virtually all food stores have available a wide array of frozen foods especially prepared to be heated or cooked in a microwave oven.

The microwave oven has revolutionized the home preparation of meals. It, along with the supermarket, where virtually any kind of foods are available, make the preparation of food the most time-efficient in the world. A family can make only one trip a week to the supermarket to purchase its food needs for an entire week. Before the turn of the century Americans will have access to computer-based shopping enabling them to make their buying decisions at home and picking up their purchases at the store or having them delivered to their homes.

Since the 1950s fast-food and take-out restaurants have had a phenomenal proliferation, first in the US, and more recently throughout the world. The first fast-food chains like McDonalds, Burger King, Arby's and Wendy's which offer sandwiches, hamburgers, French-fried potatoes, hot dogs, pizzas, pancakes, chilli and fried chicken, have been joined by other chains some of which were Mexican, Chinese and other ethnic foods. The cost of the food in such restaurants is frequently cheaper than if one were to prepare similar food in one's kitchen. Consequently, an entire family may frequently go to eat at fast food places for conveniences and economy.

A more recent development in the American food industry has been the demand for healthier foods. The food industry has made available a wide variety of low-fat dairy and meat products. Animals are now being scientifically bred to produce lean meat. Even low fat cheeses and ice creams are being produced. Vegetable, fruit and cereal consumption are increasing. A second demand is for foods grown and produced free of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. This has led to the development of an "organic food" industry. Of course, the cost of organic foods is substantially higher than for nonorganic food. The market for organic food has nevertheless been expanding.

(from "Life and Issues in the USA")

An Englishman''s Diary by Stephanie Andrews

An Englishman's day – and who can describe it better than an Englisman's wife? It begins when he sits down to breakfast with the morning newspaper.

As he looks through the headlines there is nothing he likes better than his favourite breakfast of cornflakes with milk and sugar (porridge if he lives in the North), fried bacon and eggs, marmalades on toast and tea (with milk, of course) or coffee.

He in fact gets such a meal if there is enough money in the family to buy it.

After breakfast, except on Saturdays and Sundays which are holidays, he goes to work by train, tube, bus, car, motor scooter, motor bike or walks there.He leaves home about 7.30.

At offices or factories there is a tea or coffee break at eleven. Then at mid-day everything stops for lunch. Most offices and shops close for an hour from one to two.

Englishmen are fond of good plain food, and they usually want to know what they eat. They like beefsteaks, chops, roast beef and Yorlshire²pudding, fried fish and chipped potatoes.

There are usually two courses in the mid-day meal – a meat course with a lot of vegetables, a sweet dish, perhaps fruit pudding and custards³with tea or coffee to finish.

Then back to work again with another break in the middle of the afternoon, once again tea or coffee, sometimes with a cake or bisquit.

The working day finishes at any time between four and six. When an Englishman gets home he likes to inspect his garden before the evening meal: tea, high tea, dinner or supper. When his evening meal is over, the Englishman may do a little gardening and then have a walk to the "local" (nearest beerhouse) for a "quick one" (a drink, alcoholic, of course). There are a lot of people at the "local" and he can play darts, dominoes, billiards or discuss the weather, the local events or the current situation. But if the Englishman stays at home, he may listen to the radio, watch television, talk or read.

Then at any time between 10 and 12 he has his ''night-cup'' – a drink with a snack – and then off to bed ready for tomorrow.

Eating out in New York City

A wide variety of dining pleasures awaits a visitor to New York City, from luxuriating in the fanciest of French restaurants to grabbing a hot dog. With cuisines from every comer of the globe, New York City will feed you very well regardless of your budget.

The least costly alternatives are those used by many natives at lunchtime: street vendors, fast food places and delis.

Street vendors' offerings — hot dogs for $ 2.00 or less — are fast, inexpensive and very "New York." Hot dogs (also called "franks" or "frankfurters") are a kind of sausage placed inside a bun. They are often made from pork and can be steamed, boiled, or grilled.

The fast food places, such as McDonald's and Burger King are much the same everywhere in the United States. They offer a pretty standard fare: hamburgers, trench fries, and coke (Coca-Cola), at a pretty standard price. A meal will rarely exceed $ 4.00 per person. Hamburgers are made from beef, not ham, and served in a round bun. They are often eaten with tomato, or lettuce, or onion, mustard, and ketchup. A hamburger with melted cheese is called a cheeseburger. There are also some other kinds of burgers with other names, such as the jumbo burger (very big), mush­room burger, or bacon burger, depending on the extra ingredients added.

With so many people travelling in cars, fast food places can be found all along the highways. If you are in a hurry, you can drive round to a "drive through" window and pick up your food packed in a paper bag without leaving your car. Likewise, other fast food places may have "drive-in" facilities. A waiter will meet you in the restaurant's parking lot, take your order and deliver the food to your car, where you can eat in the relative comfort of the parking area.

Along highways and in town, "diners" give you a fine oppor­tunity to have a quick snack. They are small-size restaurants, traditionally shaped like a railroad car.

Another option, the delis — short for delicatessen — offer sandwiches and assorted salads. Americans eat a lot of sand­wiches, especially for lunch. They are made with two pieces of bread and a filling. Some common fillings are: tuna fish, eggs, ham, chicken, turkey, roast beef, cheese, and peanut butter and jelly. Some sandwiches are served hot, for example, a hot roast beef sandwich. Another special type is the "club sandwich" which is made with three pieces of bread and two fillings between them. One common sandwich is called a BLT, which means ba­con, lettuce, and tomato. Although the bill in delis may run as high as $ 8.00 per person, their advantage is quick service, and of course, as the name implies, the food is delicious.

Another relatively inexpensive alternative is the gourmet take-out shop stocked with foods for home or picnic.

Some places call themselves "family restaurants". This usually means home style cooking. The food is almost as reasonably priced as in delis or better cafeterias.

In a cafeteria you walk through a line, choose your food, put it on a tray, pay at the end of the line, and carry your food to a table.

Turning to foreign cuisine, New York City's excellent and inexpensive offerings include pizza and a wide choice of Chinese and Mexican food. Pizza comes in two varieties — thin-crust "Neapolitan" and thick-crust "Sicilian" — and is served by the slice or by the pie. The best Chinese food, of course, is in China­town. To snatch a quick taste of Mexican cooking one may go to Taco Bell or Taco-Time, where you will be offered tacos, chunks of marinated and broiled meat rolled in tortillas (flat bread made from wheat or corn), or chill, a spiced ("hot") seasoned dish of beef, beans, chilli peppers, and tomatoes.

American food and eating habits

Speaking about typical American food, well, we have a phrase "as American as apple pie," so that's the first thing that comes to mind. I suppose that a hamburger is rather American and pan­cakes with maple syrup. Pumpkin pie, of course. Hot dogs, I guess, would be another American thing. We've had people from all over the world come into America throughout its history and so we've rather absorbed all the world's cooking. You know, pizza is a very American thing now. I am not positive, but I be­lieve it really comes from Italy.

Now, for main dishes — especially for dinner — Americans eat a lot of red meat, but more and more people are eating fish and poultry. Beef is the most popular red meat, followed by pork, and, least popular, lamb. In general, Americans like thick steaks. There are three ways to cook the meat: rare (not cooked very much), medium, and well-done (cooked a lot).

The favourite American vegetable is the potato. It is served in many ways, but the most common are: baked potato, mashed potato, and trench fries. Corn, too, is a truly American vegetable. It is especially popular to eat the whole ear (cob) holding the ends with your fingers. This is called "corn on the cob."

Eating out is popular in the USA. Some restaurants are open even for breakfast, many restaurants, especially the better ones, open at about 11.30 a.m., others are open twenty-four hours a day. It is often necessary to make a reservation. Otherwise the restaurant you chose may be filled up. By the way, do not expect to share a table with other parties. It just isn't done. If you want to ask for a bill, which is usually called the check, signal the waiter with a raised hand. If that doesn't work, you can say:

"Excuse me, may we have the check, please."

As the charge for service is not included in your restaurant check, everyone from waiters to porters anticipate tips. The amount you give should take into account the quality of service you receive. You should give 15 percent for good service, 20 per­cent for outstanding service and 10 percent for less than adequate service. Figure the tip on the total of the bill (excluding tax). Don't tip the headwaiter, though. Now, many restaurants post menus in the window so you can see the prices before you enter. If they do not, it is acceptable to enter the restaurant and ask for a menu before you sit down. If it is too expensive, it is OK to leave. If you do not eat all your food, you may ask for a "doggie bag." The waiter will put your uneaten food in a paper or plastic bag and you can take it home. You should not do it at an expen­sive first class restaurant, of course.

Table Manners

Do You Have Good Table Manners?

An attractive table is a sign of the cook's or the host's pride and respect for you.

Check to make it sure the silverware is clean.

Hold silverware by the handles so you do not touch the eating surfaces.

Put each piece of silverware on the correct place by the plate.

Fork - to the left of the plate.

Knife - to the right of the plate. (Sharp edge towards the plate.)

Spoon – to the right of the knife.

Napkin – to the left of the fork.

Napkin Manners

1. Open your napkin and put it on your lap.

2. When you leave the table during a meal, place your napkin on the chair, not on the table.

3. When the meal is over, pick up your napkin, wipe your mouth, and place it on the table to the left of your plate.

Fork and Knife Manners

1. When there are several pieces of cutlery beside the plate, you start on the outside for the first course.

2. Put food into your mouth with your fork and not with your knife. Never lick your knife. It's dangerous!

3. While you are eating put the knife and the fork you are using on the edge of your plate. Try not to lay them down on the table at anytime.

4. After you have cut off one piece of food, lay your knife down on the edge to the inside. Cut only one piece of food at a time.

5. Place your fork and knife on your plate apart [like this (/\)] while talking or when you are resting between bites. This shows that you have not finished eating.

6. Place your fork and knife side by side in the middle of the plate handle to the right [like this (\\)] when you have finished your food. Do not put them on the tablecloth. This shows that you have finished and the plate can be removed.

Spoon Manners

1. After you stir your tea with a spoon, place it on the saucer. It is not polite to leave it in a cup.

Table Manners

1. Offer others before you help yourself.

2. Ask the people around you kindly to pass things that are out of your reach; then, thank them.

3. Whenever you are asked, pass the things as quickly and as kindly as possible.

4. Sit up straight and do not put your elbows on the table while you are eating.

5. Never talk with your mouth full.

6. If you need to take something out of your mouth, like a bone, or a seed you should carefully place it on your spoon. After you have put the bone or a seed onto your spoon empty it onto your plate.

7. When you are drinking with a straw, do not make a loud noise.

8. Only talk about nice things at the dinner table.

9. If you sneeze or cough while you are at the table, turn your head away from the food and cover your mouth.

10. Finally, don't forget to say, "Thank you."

When Invited to a dinner

Here are a few tips to help you know how to behave at a dinner. First of all, you should always arrive on time. Even 15 minutes late is impolite! If you are going to be late, call your host or hostess ahead of time. It is also not polite to come early. It is always nice to bring your host or hostess something such as flowers, but it is not necessary.

When in the dining room, don't take a seat until you host or hostess shows you where to sit. Unfold the napkin that is beside your plate and put it on your lap. Bowls of food are usually passed from person to person around the table. People serve themselves.

Sometimes before eating, someone may say grace, or prayers. During grace you should bow your head and remain silent. You can start eating when the host or hostess does. In England and America it is considered rude to begin eating before everyone has been served.

Take part in the conversation, but don't talk with your mouth full. If someone asks you a question while your mouth is full, finish chewing before you answer the question.

Do not reach in front of someone for a dish, the salt, or the pepper. Simply say, "Please, pas the salt."

Always compliment the cook by saying, "The meal is delicious / wonderful!" When you are leaving, thank youк host or hostess by saying, "Thank you for a nice evening. I enjoyed it very much."

The British often send a thank-you note usually with a box of chocolate for the hostess afterwards.

True oк False?

1. When invited punctuality is not important.

2. You can sit anywhere you'd like at the dinner table.

3. You can start eating when your host or hostess does.

4. If you want salt or pepper, you should reach quietly for it, even if it is in front of someone.

5. You should unfold your napkin and put it on your lap.

6. It's nice to compliment the cook.

7. It's okay to talk with your mouth full.

8. When you are leaving, you should thank the host and the hostess.

More about table manners.

In Russia they sit down at cocktail parties. In China the most important guest is seated facing the door. In Japan a tip is not expected; in France it is an insult not to leave one. How culturally aware are you at the table? Try the quiz below.

Cross-cultural quiz

1. In Greece / Finland people frequently stop for lunch at 11.30 in the morning.

2. In Switzerland / Brazil it's common to be up to two hours late for a party.

3. In Portugal / the USA a business lunch can last up to three and half hours.

4. In Japan / Russia the soup is often eaten at the end of the meal.

5. In France / Britain cheese is normally served after the dessert.

6. In American / German restaurants you may be asked if you want a bag for the food you can't eat.

7. In Arab / Asian countries you must wait for your host to serve you the main meat dish.

8. In Mexico / Belgium you should keep both hands on the dinner table where they can be seen.

9. At a Turkish / Chinese dinner table it is extremely impolite to say how hungry you are.

10. The Japanese / British sometimes need to be offered more food three times before they will accept.

11. American / Latin executives like to be invited to your home for dinner.

12. In Belgium / Spain an 11 o'clock dinner is quite normal.

13. In Asian / Arab countries food is usually eaten with just three fingers of the right hand.

14. In Poland / Japan you should keep filling other guests' glasses until they turn them over.

15. In African / Asian countries it is the host who decides when the guests should leave.

Answers to quiz: 1. Finland, 2. Brazil, 3. Portugal, 4. Japan, 5. Britain, 6. American, 7. Arab, 8. Mexico, 9. Chinese, 10. Japanese, 11.American, 12. Spain, 13. Arab, 14. Japan, 15. Asian.

Eating out Conversation is the enemy of good wine and food.

Alfred Hitchcock, film producer