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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
Once upon a time, I had a *really* nice Curry.
The meat used was chicken, the sauce was slightly sour and fairly hot (but not Vindaloo hot). In the sauce were crispy little chillis which were mentally hot, and I loved every last mouthful.
Now I can't remember what it was called, or where I ate it. I suspect it might have been a Thai rather than Indian Curry, but I cannot be sure. I want another now 
Oh, and by the way, do you American types ever eat Curry? I know Chinese is fairly popular, but not about Curry. If you haven't, you should!
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Post by: reds8n
I love a good curry.
Any help ?
Mild Curries
Korma
The classic "beginner's" curry, with almond. Can be over-sweet or bland to the more experienced palate, but often a worthy dish.
Tikka Masala
The meat (usually chicken) is cooked in a mild, buttery sauce. Safe.
Kashmir or Malaya
The nearest thing to "amateur" curries with lashings of raisins, pineapples, banana or lychees making it sweet and sometimes rather sickly. Rather like a warmed-up "coronation chicken".
Pasanda
The King of the mild curries, a royal dish with a creamy sauce containing almonds and coconut. Often also contains wine (white with chicken, red with lamb). Highly recommended, especially for people who have been eating vindaloos for years and suffering from them quite badly.
Medium Curries
Dopiaza
The name literally means "double onion" - there should be plenty cooked in the sauce, and plenty of raw onion sprinkled on top. Not recommended if you have romantic intentions later in the evening, but great if you're sharing a caravan with a bunch of mates and wish to develop a wordless form of communication. Safer for non-smokers.
Rogan Josh
Fairly traditional curry with lots of tomatoes.
Bhuna
Similar to a Rogan Josh but with a thicker, drier sauce.
Balti
In this dish the ingredients are cut into large chunks and the sauce is thicker than a standard curry, because it is served not with rice but with a Naan bread which doubles as the tool for eating it. Originally introduced as a "premium" dish (presumably because it is served in a cast-iron pot) and consequently overpriced, now it is less trendy it is finding a worthwhile place on most menus.
Karahi
The precursor to the Balti in terms of being served in a sizzling, red-hot dish, it is usually a pound or two more expensive than a standard curry without tasting discernibly nicer. Aimed at those who place aural stimulation above taste and smell.
Gosht
Lika a standard curry but with okra.
Saag
Lika a standard curry but with spinach.
Murgh Massala
This is a "special" and sometimes has to be ordered in advance. Unusually, it combines the two main meat types; it consists of large pieces of chicken (or in extreme cases, an entire baby chicken) in a sauce made with minced lamb. The only dish which can retain its dignity whilst containing raisins.
Biryani
A dry dish of rice cooked up with curry powder and some meat. Can be very fragrant and delightful - or can be made from leftovers. Only eat it in a restaurant you know and trust.
Hot Curries
Jalfrezi
Cooked with a large quantity of peppers (capsicums), this dish is one of the most visually appealing, and the taste can be anything from a lively medium to a challenging heat, depending on the amount of green chilli used. Quirky.
Dhansak
This dish is actually of Persian origin, and contains lentils. If you can stand the methane-loaded after-effects it can be one of the tastiest dishes.
Ceylon
This dish is hot and sour, although it contains coconut, which should make it sweeter and cooler. Never quite as exciting as it sounds.
Madras
This one should be hot but flavoursome - not just a basic curry loaded up with chilli powder. It is unusual because it actually contains the leaves of the curry plant whose name has been purloined for the entire genre.
Very Hot Curries
Vindaloo
Must contain potatoes ("aloo") to be genuine. Often blisteringly hot, the spuds help to take some of the edge off, but a lhassi is also recommended with this dish. Build up to it slowly, but the taste can bring a reward worth a little suffering.
Phal
Don't order this dish unless you are a rugby player and have tarnished your macho image, perhaps by having a picture of Leonardo di Caprio in your locker, and you now wish to be rehabilitated. You will sweat profusely, it will hurt, and you won't enjoy it. If you must eat one, put your toilet paper in the fridge before you go to bed, as the chilli is not broken down by your digestive system.
Sounds like a jalfrezi* to me, but being a cultured sort of chap i assume you'd know that.
* Which is what Mr. Frazzled almost winds up getting called every time I quote him. 
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Post by: whatwhat
Last month when I was in the US I went into a certain fast food chain in which they had mild sauce, hot sauce, and fire sauce. The fire sauce, supposedly the hottest, which my American friend refused to try, was weak as hell. That kind of makes me think they're not a society brought up on spicy food, curry for example. I may be wrong however.
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
Soon as I read it I thought Jalfrezi as well.
OH what a shame. I shall have to order a Jalfrezi to find out. Tut tut.
And Curry is more about the balance of flavours and textures than the heat. Rumours abound the hotter the Curry, then the more rotten the meat originally used!
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Post by: whatwhat
Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:And Curry is more about the balance of flavours and textures than the heat. Rumours abound the hotter the Curry, then the more rotten the meat originally used!
Try telling that to your fellow rugby teammates when your ordering a chicken korma. 
But yeh I am partial to some of the weaker ones myself. Pakistani ones need more credit in this country, like the balti. Much more flavour than the indian ones imo.
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
True that.
Thankfully, I don't play Rugby, and am man enough to just drop trou should some sad manhood debate come up. One way or another it settles the arguement.
And the other oddity I've found...I generally order a Chicken Jalpeno from The Indigo. Well priced for what I get, and really nice to eat. But I went on a date last year to a posh Indian, and didn't really enjoy my meal all that much. The Chicken was a single piece of breast, and the sauce whilst tasty, had no heat and quite a, well, if I said linear taste, would that make sense?
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Post by: Xav
I want a curry now....
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Post by: Jin
Man, I need to cook some curry. Haven't had any curry in some weeks.
8725
Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
Is that you 'now want a curry' or literally you want a Curry right this very second?
I had a curry slice thingy for my lunch which was quite nice.
10279
Post by: focusedfire
whatwhat wrote:Last month when I was in the US I went into a certain fast food chain in which they had mild sauce, hot sauce, and fire sauce. The fire sauce, supposedly the hottest, which my American friend refused to try, was weak as hell. That kind of makes me think they're not a society brought up on spicy food, curry for example. I may be wrong however.
Wrong country, you should have visite Texas if you like spicy.
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Post by: Frazzled
Texas below Dallas. Dallas is milktoast land 
Louisiana (southern parts mostly) or southern Kal-if-orn-i-a (Inland Empire and down south yee ha).
Florida has some hot food I'd bet as well.
In fact anywhere south in those states can seat ya with good spicy food. Taco Bell ain't gonna do it.
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Post by: Xav
Ive been crazy for a curry since i read this thread, but being incredibly lazy im not going to cook one.
8725
Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
Then get a carry out fool!
Right now, I just fancy a pile of Poppadums and Lime Pickle....yums!
9401
Post by: whatwhat
Frazzled wrote:Texas below Dallas. Dallas is milktoast land
Louisiana (southern parts mostly) or southern Kal-if-orn-i-a (Inland Empire and down south yee ha).
Florida has some hot food I'd bet as well.
In fact anywhere south in those states can seat ya with good spicy food. Taco Bell ain't gonna do it.
well ur on the money there, but thing is it wasnt the only example, and it was in the southern states. Im thinking its probably a spectator sees more of the game sorta thing cause everything you had labelled spicy was not in the slightest, that said I do eat a lot of spicy food so am attuned to it but I can get stuff here which is a lot hotter than your stuff.
btw not to have a go at americans cause i seriously do love ur country, but the next time I hear one of you remarking that british food is awfull i'll be laughing hard. everything except the twenty dollar meal resteraunts tasted like plastic. in my opinion.
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Post by: Frazzled
Now I know there are types of curry that will bash your brains in, but you have to go to a whole in the wall Mexican place, Thai place, or genuine Cajun place for some heat. "Southern food" is not traditionally hot.
8725
Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
No no no. IT's the *French* that slag off British Cuisine. The Americans tend to eat everything and anything :p
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Post by: Frazzled
btw not to have a go at americans cause i seriously do love ur country, but the next time I hear one of you remarking that british food is awfull i'll be laughing hard. everything except the twenty dollar meal resteraunts tasted like plastic. in my opinion.
Where did you go dude? We don't have the best food in the world but we have lots of different types.
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Post by: whatwhat
Frazzled wrote:Now I know there are types of curry that will bash your brains in, but you have to go to a whole in the wall Mexican place, Thai place, or genuine Cajun place for some heat. "Southern food" is not traditionally hot.
done one better, been to mexico. And your right. I imagine somewhere closer like texas would have been more to my liking. (went to tampa)
Where did you go dude? We don't have the best food in the world but we have lots of different types.
Loads of places. Two weeks uncatered hotel, had to eat out if i wanted to eat.
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Post by: Frazzled
Tampa heh...don't know whats there. Oh well.
5045
Post by: Evil Eli
When you a ever in a new city talk to the locals and ask them where the best places to eat are. If any of you jokers are ever in Atlanta let me know I can give you my Top Ten.
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Post by: JohnHwangDD
Atlanta? I was there for a couple nights, and I liked Rays the City. Good seafood always makes me happy.
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Post by: Chrysaor686
Plenty of Americans eat Curry. I prefer Thai Curry to Indian Curry myself, because I think that it has more of a flavor to it.
As for spicy food, I have something to say about that. We Americans manufacture a Hot Sauce that is actually capable of causing Cardiac Arrest (Meaning to say that it has before). So much for having nothing that's spicy.
Of course, being a tourist (or visiting for whatever reason), you're going to ask the opinion of locals on what's good to eat. Americans aren't generally raised on too much spicy food, so anything that a majority of people think is spicy won't be to a trained tongue. Most Americans prefer an actual flavor to their spices, and not an out-and-out "Hot" (Which really doesn't allow you to savor the flavor of food anyway). If you've lived here a while, though, you'll know where to look.
Here's a tip: stay as far away from fast food as you possibly can. It's cheap for a reason. We Americans are willing to give up quality for speed. You really need to go to a non-franchised, family-owned restaraunt that's not overly expensive to really experience how good All-American food can be (Even if that phrase is pretty much an oxymoron). And there's just about every other option available here, even though none of it is truly authentic (We like to put our own spin on things, and if it can be fried, well, it probably will).
And British food isn't awful. I'm just not all that partial to sheep's bladder sausage, thank you very much.
I know it's cliche, I just couldn't resist.
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
I assume you mean Haggis? It's not a Sausage...it's a Pudding, so nyeh!
So how popular is Curry in the States? In Britain, our national dish is now Chicken Tikka Masala (which evidence suggests was invented in Glasgow, making it like Vindaloo, a non-authentic Curry)
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Post by: JohnHwangDD
whatwhat wrote:btw not to have a go at americans cause i seriously do love ur country, but the next time I hear one of you remarking that british food is awfull i'll be laughing hard.
everything except the twenty dollar meal resteraunts tasted like plastic. in my opinion.
If, by "British food", we mean "anything except prime rib", British food is utterly, totally unremarkable:
- Full English Breakfast? Fine, but everybody does a good breakfast, and Chinese Cantonese or Shanghainese dim sum is still tops.
- Desserts? Not bad, but the German confectioners easily have you beat.
- Fish & Chips? Emblematic, but c'mon - deep fried fish? Japanese Tempura is far better.
And then there's Ireland, which moves from the fryer to a pot of water for Corn Beef & Cabbage. :S
Seriously, you folks can't cook to save your lives.
As for American, there are a couple things that we do better than anyone else:
- Chicago deep dish pizza pies
- sweet Carolinas BBQ*
- Cajun food, like Jambalaya or rich Crayfish Etouffee'
- combination sushi rolls, like Dragon Roll
FWIW, I'm not big on California / "fusion" food, seems a bit contrived.
*: (though you'll hear howls about how Texas / Louisiana / St. Lous are better, ignore them, they don't know good BBQ).
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
So you've never heard of Roasts?
Never heard of Yorkshire Puddings? Mince and Tatties?
Fish and Chips.....Cod in *Beer* Batter is win! Better than the Japanese equivalent I'm afraid!
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Post by: Frazzled
JohnHwangDD wrote:whatwhat wrote:btw not to have a go at americans cause i seriously do love ur country, but the next time I hear one of you remarking that british food is awfull i'll be laughing hard.
everything except the twenty dollar meal resteraunts tasted like plastic. in my opinion.
If, by "British food", we mean "anything except prime rib", British food is utterly, totally unremarkable:
- Full English Breakfast? Fine, but everybody does a good breakfast, and Chinese Cantonese or Shanghainese dim sum is still tops.
- Desserts? Not bad, but the German confectioners easily have you beat.
- Fish & Chips? Emblematic, but c'mon - deep fried fish? Japanese Tempura is far better.
And then there's Ireland, which moves from the fryer to a pot of water for Corn Beef & Cabbage. :S
Seriously, you folks can't cook to save your lives.
As for American, there are a couple things that we do better than anyone else:
- Chicago deep dish pizza pies
- sweet Carolinas BBQ*
- Cajun food, like Jambalaya or rich Crayfish Etouffee'
- combination sushi rolls, like Dragon Roll
FWIW, I'm not big on California / "fusion" food, seems a bit contrived.
*: (though you'll hear howls about how Texas / Louisiana / St. Lous are better, ignore them, they don't know good BBQ).
You're hallucinating again JohnHH, must be the boudin you forgot to mention, but clearly Texas/Louisiana barbeque is better (Tennessee pwons all though, or at least the one place we always stopped at going to Shiloh).
I forgot if you're looking for heat the greatness that is Southwestern to Western flavored Chili. Texas chili, when seasoned properly, can burn through steel, but I've heard New Mexico style chili could burn the Sun.
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Post by: Ozymandias
I'll take a good American steak over a roast any day.
I enjoy British food, it's good stick to your ribs type food. But it is NOT high cuisine. Come on out to California, so much fresh food and beautiful women you'll never want to leave.
As for curries, unfortunately we only have two Indian restaurants in my small town and only one of them is ok. I do miss good Indian food (one of the best things about my trip to England/Scotland) and prefer my curry to be medium to hot but not so much that it overpowers the actual flavor of the food.
Ozymandias, King of Kings
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Post by: JohnHwangDD
@MDG: Yes, we all know how you people are famous for "rosbif" - it's the only thing you people cook well. I acknowledged prime rib above, which necessarily includes Yorkshire Pudding.
Yes, I've had cod and haddock fried in beer batter. It's excellent for British food, but rather mediocre when you compare across the world.
____
@Frazz: OK, I forgot to note that Texas does make the best Chili, because "best tasting" isn't synonymous with "hottest". Thinking about etouffee and sweet honey BBQ, the chili somehow slipped my mind. My apologies for the omission.
But as a native son of Virginia, I stand by our neighbors in the carolinas for BBQ. Without that bit of honey for sweetness, you don't have the necessary flavor contrast against the smoke and sour.
____
@Ozy: Food-wise, what are you on about over here? I like the variety and authentic Chinese / Thai / Mexican food, but I assume you have something more specific in mind?
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Post by: Chrysaor686
Actually, correct me if I'm wrong, but I was referring to Spotted Dick.
We have "Fish and Chips" everywhere around here. We just don't call it that. Tends to confuse us Americans, I guess.
Wow, I was about to go off on a huge rant about DD's compliment towards sweet Carolina's BBQ, until I noted the disclaimer.
Even so, have you ever BEEN to the U.S. Midwest during a Barbecue Cookoff? There are people who devote their entire lives to get barbecued meat to taste just right. It gets a little ridiculous honestly, but as for barbecue, absolutely nothing can top the midwest (I should know. Living there makes it an automatic staple in your diet). You just haven't looked hard enough here yet (Might've had a passing taste or two. I've been living on this stuff my whole life).
As for the popularity of curry in the U.S. - It's not. At all. For the most part, it's either eaten by people who grew up on the stuff, or it's just some sad little part of a neo-hippy American fad. It's a shame, though. Most Americans don't know what they're missing.
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Post by: Xav
Your saying Italy doesnt make better pizza then america? Il get mario on you?
221
Post by: Frazzled
JohnHwangDD wrote:@MDG: Yes, we all know how you people are famous for "rosbif" - it's the only thing you people cook well. I acknowledged prime rib above, which necessarily includes Yorkshire Pudding.
Yes, I've had cod and haddock fried in beer batter. It's excellent for British food, but rather mediocre when you compare across the world.
____
@Frazz: OK, I forgot to note that Texas does make the best Chili, because "best tasting" isn't synonymous with "hottest". Thinking about etouffee and sweet honey BBQ, the chili somehow slipped my mind. My apologies for the omission.
But as a native son of Virginia, I stand by our neighbors in the carolinas for BBQ. Without that bit of honey for sweetness, you don't have the necessary flavor contrast against the smoke and sour.
____
@Ozy: Food-wise, what are you on about over here? I like the variety and authentic Chinese / Thai / Mexican food, but I assume you have something more specific in mind?
We'll just have to agree to disagree there JohnHH, even though you're wrong wrong really really wrong... 
963
Post by: Mannahnin
America’s too much a mish-mash of cultures for there to be any one overarching trend in terms of food preference. There are three hundred million of us, after all.
That said, spicy stuff has definitely gotten more widely popular in the last twenty years or so. Fast food chains are generally garbage with no heat to it (though when I was in Baltimore for the GT last month, I ate at a really nice little chain place called California Burrito which had more than fifty different hot sauces on offer), but there are plenty of restaurants which have really spicy stuff. And most big supermarkets now have a large section of hot sauces for sale. Similarly, big markets have been expanding their selections of ethnic/foreign foods too. Up here in New England it used to be mostly just Kosher, Chinese and Mexican stuff, but now you can get a decent selection of Japanese and Indian too. The bakery section has started including heat & eat Naans in the last couple of years. (Though my wife recently learned how to bake it from scratch in the oven. Yum!). You can get a lot more variety of course, if you go to a small ethnic market which specializes. There’s a pretty big Asian market in my town, a couple of small Mexican or Central American ones, and a couple specializing in Eastern or Northern European foods.
Thai and Indian places both have good curries here, though neither is nearly as ubiquitous or popular as generic Chinese food places. The bigger the city, the better the odds that you can get good curry. We have quite a nice Thai place in my home town, but for some reason we don’t have a good Indian place, and I’d have to go 20-30 min North or South to Concord or Nashua for a good place. Or Boston for really good stuff. You can get really outstanding examples of most foods there. I’m very partial to a good Vindaloo, and when my wife and I were in London on our honeymoon we made a point of trying an Indian place there. It was excellent.
I’m also partial to a good chili, but have never been to the Southwest to try a really authentic one. I’ve made some darn tasty chili myself though, using Carroll Shelby’s and Wick Fowler’s chili kits (plus adding fresh peppers and onions, and occasionally tomatoes).
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Post by: JohnHwangDD
@Chrys: Of course, BBQ is regional! That's a given. And I lived for quite a long time in the midwest, but it's just not as good as what I got around home growing up.
And yes, there's definitely an art and science to getting BBQ to taste just right, with just the right balance of flavors.
4042
Post by: Da Boss
JohnHwang: Heh heh, yeah in ireland we certainly do boil everything. I think it's because it kept raining into the pan.
Ireland has a kinda interesting culinary history. We were actually a fairly good centre for world quisine back in medevil times when we were on the trade routes for lots of different places, and had excellent foods. But nothing was really written down, and then there were many small, localised famines that sorta thinned out the recipies. While under british rule we didn't really develop culturally very much, borrowing from the English for high cusine and trying to get by for the low.
These days you can get a lot of different food and if you know where to go it's tasty, but as to traditional food it's not very exciting. Stick to the ribs is about right, but I enjoy that a lot, it's what I was raised on. For curries my favourite is Saag, but I love italian food too. I really must get over to the states some time and have a poke around. My housemate has to head over on business and he reckons american food comes in two forms- cheap and bland or expensive and delicious, no matter what it is.
He's always delighted to get back to the land of decent dairy products and less salt afterwards though .
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Post by: Chrysaor686
And as for Pizza, it's simply a matter of taste.
I've been to Italy, and their Pizza is usually a far cry from ours. We tend to have a Pizza that suits every need, and generally always load them up with far more meat and cheese than Italy prefers. Thin crust, stuffed crust, deep dish, you name it, it's here. However, if you want a simple, high quality Pizza with the best Mozarella Cheese you'll ever eat (I actually had some on a Pizza that was authentically hand-formed), I can't recommend anywhere but Italy.
If you like tons and tons of meat and cheese on your Pizza, though, Chicago is where it's at.
EDIT: And if you think that Midwest barbecue is all about dry, smoked ribs....
I live about two blocks away from a store (Aptly named Midwest Barbecue) that has over 500 barbecue sauces to select from. I'm fairly sure that at least a good third of those sauces include honey. I am actually very partial to sweet barbecue myself, especially on some burnt ends...
Oh wow, I need to go eat now.
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Post by: Mannahnin
BBQ really needs its own thread if we’re going to do it justice. I lean towards John’s side of this dispute; I prefer a wet sauce to a dry rub, and I like some sweetness in the sauce along with the smoke and heat.
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Post by: JohnHwangDD
Frazzled wrote:JohnHwangDD wrote:@Frazz: OK, I forgot to note that Texas does make the best Chili, because "best tasting" isn't synonymous with "hottest".
We'll just have to agree to disagree there JohnHH, even though you're wrong wrong really really wrong...
So you want me to take the Chili crown from Texas to the Southwest?
What kind of Texan *are* you?!?
320
Post by: Platuan4th
Ozymandias wrote:Come on out to California, so much fresh food and beautiful women you'll never want to leave.
I would actually say the same thing for Louisiana. And that's coming from someone who hates his birth state. Xav wrote:Your saying Italy doesnt make better pizza then america? Il get mario on you?
America definitely makes better pizza. Deep dish and New York pizzas are ace.
9644
Post by: Clthomps
Double post =P
9644
Post by: Clthomps
Last month when I was in the US I went into a certain fast food chain in which they had mild sauce, hot sauce, and fire sauce. The fire sauce, supposedly the hottest, which my American friend refused to try, was weak as hell. That kind of makes me think they're not a society brought up on spicy food, curry for example. I may be wrong however.
first of all your Americain friend needs to be slapped on two separate occasions.... First for taking you to taco bell ( also known as "taco hell" for the unpleasent side effects), and second for being such a wimp, fire sauce is weak crap...
On second thought are you sure he is a friend?
On another note, I love curries, My favorite is Navratan Korma (extra spicy), but the cost of good Indian food here is crazy. As I understand it Indian food in the UK is priced and marketed like "Chinese" food in the US, that is to say its a step up from fast food, but they typically serve it out of a hole in the wall kitchen, with little or no seating.
In the US Indian food is typically marketed as Fine Dinning, or rarely a Buffet (but quality here goes down).
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Post by: Mannahnin
Clthomps is 100% correct on all counts. Even his speculation- the Indian place we tried in London was a little hole in the wall with barely any tables, inexpensive, but very tasty. Every Indian place I’ve seen in the US markets itself a bit more upscale, though the cheaper ones might stoop to offering a buffet.
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Post by: Platuan4th
Mannahnin wrote:Clthomps is 100% correct on all counts. Even his speculation- the Indian place we tried in London was a hold in the wall, inexpensive, but very tasty. Every Indian place I’ve seen in the US markets itself a bit more upscale, though the cheaper ones might stoop to offering a buffet.
Don't knock the Indian buffet, the one in Baton Rouge is amazing.
4042
Post by: Da Boss
It's really pretty interesting stuff, culture and food.
8229
Post by: Xav
*Dribbling* so hungry curry, pizza.
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Post by: Ozymandias
JohnHwangDD wrote:@MDG: Yes, we all know how you people are famous for "rosbif" - it's the only thing you people cook well. I acknowledged prime rib above, which necessarily includes Yorkshire Pudding.
Yes, I've had cod and haddock fried in beer batter. It's excellent for British food, but rather mediocre when you compare across the world.
____
@Frazz: OK, I forgot to note that Texas does make the best Chili, because "best tasting" isn't synonymous with "hottest". Thinking about etouffee and sweet honey BBQ, the chili somehow slipped my mind. My apologies for the omission.
But as a native son of Virginia, I stand by our neighbors in the carolinas for BBQ. Without that bit of honey for sweetness, you don't have the necessary flavor contrast against the smoke and sour.
____
@Ozy: Food-wise, what are you on about over here? I like the variety and authentic Chinese / Thai / Mexican food, but I assume you have something more specific in mind?
Remember I live in San Luis Obispo, recently named the "Most Californian Town" in all of California and a fast growing wine region. Here we do fusion cuisine right and since CA is the home of a large part of the country's fresh produce, we get fresher fruits and vegetables than the rest of the US (for the most part). Fresher food = better taste. Always. And as you mentioned the variety in CA can't really be beat.
Platuan4th wrote:
Ozymandias wrote:Come on out to California, so much fresh food and beautiful women you'll never want to leave.
I would actually say the same thing for Louisiana. And that's coming from someone who hates his birth state.
Louisiana has some great food. Can't comment on the women but New Orleans is up there as far as classic real American cuisine.
Ozymandias, King of Kings
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Post by: reds8n
- Chicago deep dish pizza pies
Oh please ! In a better world you#d get sued for calling this montrosity a Pizza.
It's typically American : mistakes more for better.
{ in case)
8725
Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
Chrysaor686 wrote:Actually, correct me if I'm wrong, but I was referring to Spotted Dick.
We have "Fish and Chips" everywhere around here. We just don't call it that. Tends to confuse us Americans, I guess.
Wow, I was about to go off on a huge rant about DD's compliment towards sweet Carolina's BBQ, until I noted the disclaimer.
Even so, have you ever BEEN to the U.S. Midwest during a Barbecue Cookoff? There are people who devote their entire lives to get barbecued meat to taste just right. It gets a little ridiculous honestly, but as for barbecue, absolutely nothing can top the midwest (I should know. Living there makes it an automatic staple in your diet). You just haven't looked hard enough here yet (Might've had a passing taste or two. I've been living on this stuff my whole life).
As for the popularity of curry in the U.S. - It's not. At all. For the most part, it's either eaten by people who grew up on the stuff, or it's just some sad little part of a neo-hippy American fad. It's a shame, though. Most Americans don't know what they're missing.
Yup. Spotted Dick is a dessert usually served with Custard. The Spots are in fact raisins.
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Post by: Frazzled
JohnHwangDD wrote:Frazzled wrote:JohnHwangDD wrote:@Frazz: OK, I forgot to note that Texas does make the best Chili, because "best tasting" isn't synonymous with "hottest".
We'll just have to agree to disagree there JohnHH, even though you're wrong wrong really really wrong...
So you want me to take the Chili crown from Texas to the Southwest?
What kind of Texan *are* you?!?
Disputing the barbeque-although it really comes down to the sauce and personal preference on that one.
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Post by: Chrysaor686
As I sit here, eating my burnt ends barbecue sandwich (Thanks for the idea), I can only remark that there are three true bastions of American food:
Barbecue. Sure, meat is "grilled" universally, but we genuinely invented the concept of slathering our grilled meat in tasty sauce (Not that that sounds right at all). You might be able to find "barbecue" worldwide, but nowhere better than here, whether it be from Kansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, or what have you. I also find this to be the one truth about food. The originators are always the best at what they do.
Cajun. Ah, nothing like some good old Creole cuisine. There's just a unique flavor to Cajun food that can't be found in anything else. Plus, I'm really partial, for whatever reason, to slightly charred meat. It really gives off a good flavor, IMO, as long as it's done right and isn't dry. Plus, I can't imagine that you can find true Cajun food anywhere else in the world (Hell, it's even rare everywhere in the US that's not the South Basin area).
Americanized Chinese Food. Sure, we stole it. But in translation, it has become completely unique. And though I'm sure by now it has become pretty popular everywhere, our random amalgamation of cultures did spawn what most Americans know as "Chinese Food". You can't find hardly anything you'll see in a "Chinese" restaraunt in China, and even if you do, it will be unrecognizable in everything but name. Sure, more than half of it is deep fried and loaded with sugar, but you can't deny that it all tastes so good. My personal favorite. Nothing like a huge portion of Orange Chicken with a couple of Crab Rangoon and some steaming hot Dragon Eye Oolong Tea.
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
And on the subject of Roasts....
Until you have eaten a genuine Spit Roast Joint, you cannot comment at all. Round my way, in a little village called Horsmonden, there lies the Gun and Spitroast Pub. A few days a week they do Spits on an automated machine, but over a real wood fire. I long to take my pooch in there just to see what he makes of it. I mean, there is heat to lie down in front of, smells to sniff, and meat to try and pinch. I think his little doggy brain will melt from indecision.
As for Fish and Chips....Hastings, on a wet rainy day, on the Pier (if it's open. I think it is again) with salty, vinegar soak Cod and Chips....heaven in a very odd way! Got to eat it out the wrapper though. Shame we're not allowed to use old Newspaper anymore. Stupid EU.
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Post by: JohnHwangDD
Da Boss wrote:JohnHwang: Heh heh, yeah in ireland we certainly do boil everything. I think it's because it kept raining into the pan.
Aye. Tho it's been variously said that there are more Irish in America than Ireland...
TBH, nothing wrong with boiled food. I like a New England seafood pot as much as the next guy, and have no problem with Corned Beef. It's just that it's "not impressive", as my wife puts it.
____
Clthomps wrote:In the US Indian food is typically marketed as Fine Dinning, or rarely a Buffet (but quality here goes down).
Indian food as "fine dining"? I'm having trouble seeing it, what with loads of small Indian places in our area - Artesia is "Little India".
Besides, it's just not meaty enough for me.
____
Ozymandias wrote:Remember I live in San Luis Obispo, recently named the "Most Californian Town" in all of California and a fast growing wine region. Here we do fusion cuisine right and since CA is the home of a large part of the country's fresh produce, we get fresher fruits and vegetables than the rest of the US (for the most part). Fresher food = better taste. Always. And as you mentioned the variety in CA can't really be beat.
Yup, fresh veggies are a major plus.
When I'm over that way again, I'll give it a go, but I'm going to need a recommendation for a decent fusion place.
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reds8n wrote:- Chicago deep dish pizza pies
Oh please ! In a better world you#d get sued for calling this montrosity a Pizza.
It's typically American : mistakes more for better.
( in case)
More? One or two slices are plenty enough for a full man's meal!
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Chrysaor686 wrote:Americanized Chinese Food.
The horror knows no bounds.
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Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:Until you have eaten a genuine Spit Roast Joint, you cannot comment at all. Round my way, in a little village called Horsmonden,
As for Fish and Chips....Hastings, on a wet rainy day, on the Pier (if it's open. I think it is again)
If it's wet & rainy, and you're out on a pier, I have a feeling that *any* warm, dry food with crunch is a godsend. Take away the British weather, and I think perhaps it's less impressive? How else to explain the fascination of sourdough bread bowls on the SF pier?
While I'm sure that Horsmonden makes a fine roast, I'm not travelling there when I can get beautiful prime rib here locally!
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
Rib....pffrrt. Not enough meat on those to feed a Sparrow.
Nice, long slow roasted joint.
And don't forget our Stews. Lovely filling meal on a cold Winters day. Same for Steak and Kidney Pudding, with it's suet.
Our base recipes might be relatively bland (funny that, not really having spices native) but thats the joy of them. You can experiment endlessly!
If you are ever in Kent, get ye to the Gun And Spitroast, you won't forget it!
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Post by: Xav
This started with Mad doc wanting to know a curry recipe, and its turned into a cultare/food discussion.
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
Got to love Dakka! Can't really complain as I've been involved with both feet!
And despite having had one last night...I could seriously murder a Ruby Murray right now. It would also require Bhajis, Sag Aloo, Naan, Poppdums and other sides...
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Post by: JohnHwangDD
@MDG: I beg to differ. A thick cut of Prime Rib is easily 20 ounces.
Worst case, you can just eat the whole thing. That'd be several pounds of meat.
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
Ribs are for the underlings, once the master has taken the best cuts
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Post by: JohnHwangDD
Obviously, you've never had American BBQ baby back ribs...
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
Urrrgh! I'm not eating a Baby thank you!
BTW, I assume you have tried Venison? Pretty much king of meats if you ask me.
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Post by: reds8n
JohnHwangDD wrote:@MDG: I beg to differ. A thick cut of Prime Rib is easily 20 ounces.
Good grief ! And you people eat that ! Our women birth children that weigh less.
.... You know that "more=better" crack from earlier....
@ Mr. MDG-- you're scottish, you've porbably already eaten several babies ye big fibber !
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Post by: JohnHwangDD
We have much deer in the Americas.
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Post by: Frazzled
reds8n wrote:JohnHwangDD wrote:@MDG: I beg to differ. A thick cut of Prime Rib is easily 20 ounces.
Good grief ! And you people eat that ! Our women birth children that weigh less.
.... You know that "more=better" crack from earlier....
@ Mr. MDG-- you're scottish, you've porbably already eaten several babies ye big fibber !
Baby! The Other Other white meat! get inma belly!
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Post by: Mannahnin
MDG seems to be confusing Prime Rib (a think roasted steak from the standing rib roast) with a rack of ribs. Foolish boy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_rib
Never try to mess with an American when it comes to portions.
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Post by: JohnHwangDD
Mannahnin wrote:MDG seems to be confusing Prime Rib (a think roasted steak from the standing rib roast) with a rack of ribs. Foolish boy.
[SNIP pic]
Lawry's serves a fantastic prime rib, and I highly recommend the chain - they have locations in the US & Asia. I've been a customer of their's for many, many, years. The only thing missing from the picture is Yorkshire pudding, also, their spinach is really good. 
Mannahnin wrote:Never try to mess with an American when it comes to portions.
[SNIP pic]
Looks good - I'd eat that.
Ribs look tasty, too.
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Post by: Arctik_Firangi
This makes a lot of people really angry, but kangaroo ain't too bad...
My partner's Palestinian family has introduced me a another world of cuisine in the last five years, which I love if only for the new sensation. Best lamb ever...
Although there was a pistachio-based desert.. thing (Not baklava, I can't remember any Arabic names) that stuck in my throat rather literally. I managed to get a splinter of pistachio in my throat, which I removed a few days later having finally spotted it in a mirror. Uh, don't let that freak occurence turn you off though. Really, brilliantly nice food.
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Post by: LunaHound
generally indian curry has a greenish yellow tint .
asian singaporean curry has yellow tint
japanese curry are smooth and creamy and brown
the one you mentioned sounds like red curry ( Thai )
hope that helped.
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Post by: focusedfire
Back to the first page problem of bland food. Theres a reason for it (IMHO)and that reasons name is Sysco. They are the dominant national restaurant food supplier in the country. Similar story to wal-mart. Used to be very customer oriented. Then one part of the ownership drops out(dies off, bought out,ect..) and they start cheaping out on the product. They are why most of the nationwide restaurant chains taste the very bland same ol' same ol'.
Significant other has 20 years experience with food management around the country.
You want good food in the US these days you gotta ask the locals about local places or small chains. Or find franchises that use local suppliers. Of course there are exceptions to every rule and there are some that use different suppliers for this very reason.
BTW Frazz, have you tried Harris County Smokehouse north of Houston, They're the best. Brown sugar,molasses, hot spice rub on their meats(don't anybody go there or I'll send Chuck Norris after you).
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Post by: JohnHwangDD
@FF, I'd completely believe that - it's why the local places really do taste better, with fresher food.
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Post by: Frazzled
focusedfire wrote:Back to the first page problem of bland food. Theres a reason for it (IMHO)and that reasons name is Sysco. They are the dominant national restaurant food supplier in the country. Similar story to wal-mart. Used to be very customer oriented. Then one part of the ownership drops out(dies off, bought out,ect..) and they start cheaping out on the product. They are why most of the nationwide restaurant chains taste the very bland same ol' same ol'.
Significant other has 20 years experience with food management around the country.
You want good food in the US these days you gotta ask the locals about local places or small chains. Or find franchises that use local suppliers. Of course there are exceptions to every rule and there are some that use different suppliers for this very reason.
BTW Frazz, have you tried Harris County Smokehouse north of Houston, They're the best. Brown sugar,molasses, hot spice rub on their meats(don't anybody go there or I'll send Chuck Norris after you).
In Houston I like Ottos, Goode Co., and a hole in the wall by the house. In Austin I like Rudys, County Line, and Smoky J's.
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Post by: whatwhat
Wow this thread didn't take long to start annoying some americans did it.
After reading back the comments i'm not convinced, I mean the best example of a good american meal was ribs and pizza? I kinda know now why you call that cheap processed cheese that comes in slices " American cheese" cause its typical of the stuff you eat in your diet. But you obviously assume that because I didnt like your food I only went to fast food joints and franchises. And btw, british food is not just fish and chips and haggis. + as I said it was only my observation, I genuinely loved your country. My only problems were your food and your cars (honestly you guys take the piss when it comes to the green debate), other than that theres a lot of things id wish we'd have here.
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Post by: Frazzled
Wow that was hostile. I don't think anyone took umbrage at your comments other than a discussion of whether roasts (?) were better than prime rib (is there a difference?). Lots of alternatives were cited, we just noted ribs and pizza discussions.
Having said that if you don't think pizza can be turned into high art then there's no help for you. The ghost of Al Capone is sending some boys over to help your lack of enthusiasm as we speak
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
And now to settle things down, Mark and Lard's ode to Curry, sung to the tune of Kula Shaker's Tattva.....
Like a flower in the scent of summer.
Mystic Oriental spice.
Shall we take a trip to our spiritual Mecca?
No, bollocks to it, let's have Curry and Rice...
Chicken Tikka Poppadum Ta La.
TA LA!
Plate of Chips, Poppadum Ta La
TA LA!
Meditating with the Maharishi.
Lead a life thats pure and sparse.
Lamb Jalfrezi and 15 pints of Lager
Sends a message to your arse....
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Post by: whatwhat
Frazzled wrote:Wow that was hostile.
it was?
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Post by: focusedfire
whatwhat wrote:Wow this thread didn't take long to start annoying some americans did it.
After reading back the comments i'm not convinced, I mean the best example of a good american meal was ribs and pizza? I kinda know now why you call that cheap processed cheese that comes in slices " American cheese" cause its typical of the stuff you eat in your diet. But you obviously assume that because I didnt like your food I only went to fast food joints and franchises. And btw, british food is not just fish and chips and haggis. + as I said it was only my observation, I genuinely loved your country. My only problems were your food and your cars (honestly you guys take the piss when it comes to the green debate), other than that theres a lot of things id wish we'd have here.
Not annoyed, trying to help. Now getting slightly annoyed by the attitude. I lived for several years in europe and learned fairly quickly that tourist don't learn squat about the cultures foods and habits. Can't stand american tourists that think they know from a couple of week visit. Can't stand any tourist with that attitude. Got a Londoner friend over here. We always do the holidays together because She Knows How to really do Lamb And I make Turkeys and hams that you'd slap a bobby for. Home cooking is still the best. It's becoming a dying art in the age of fast food. Food in europe definitely is not superior, but the dining experience is. In the US its too rushed,too cliquish, and too formulaic. Alway enjoyed being seated at a table where I didn't know anyone and had an hour to get to know them before the order arrived. But I digress. Just don't blame the country for where your friend took you. If it was in florida the food stinks there because its Gods waiting room and the restaurants there don't season a bloody thing. The elderly have high blood pressure, diabetes, or whatever so they keep the food bland. Never, If you value your intestinal tract, eat at a pic a dilly in florida(had turkey and dressing that had about the same flavor as unsalted,unsweetened oatmeal.Blegh). edited for spelling
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Post by: Da Boss
I reckon that's the thing. You also can't judge the US as an entity, better to name the state you were in and say "food in Oregon is blah" than "food in the US is blah".
I really can't wait til I'm on my feet financially and can pop over for a visit. Sounds like an interesting place.
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Post by: whatwhat
Ok, I didnt like the food in america, the posts didnt convince me. Now im being hostile and have a bad atittude.
meh
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Post by: legoburner
One of my favourite things about having people visit from the US is getting them their first good chicken tikka dish. Then some high quality Korean barbeque and top quality sushi, and perhaps if there is time some Nepalese or proper Chinese food (not like the highly americanised Chinese that is in most of the buffet places in the states). I enjoy food in the states and have had some bad, some good and some great, but on the whole since I tend to eat in the rural midwest, freshness is a factor compared to back here in London and it robs the food of a lot of quality, so I end up eating a lot more chain restaurant food than I would like to. Vegas is always surprisingly good and horrifically overpriced for top restaurants, but then it is in the middle of nowhere.
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Post by: Frazzled
Whats chicken tikka Lego?
You can get good Korean barbeque in a variety of locations here (haven't had any myself). The advantages of USA/Canada are the foods the large immigrant populations bring add spice to life, and isn't that what life is about? (other than the required crush your enemies see them driven before you and hear the lamentation of the women thing)
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Tikka
Very tasty is the short answer!
N.B. I',m afraid that article is somehow even more chockful of utter bollocks than Wiki normally manages....Vindaloo for example is not Goan. It is British. It was essentially a Chef's Revenge should some racist, bull necked arsed enter his restaurant and demand the spiciest thing on the menu, thus designed to blow his bollocks backwards!
Sorry about that old chum. Pic is fairly accurate though.
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Post by: Frazzled
Man that sounds good actually.
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
Is very nice! The Masala version has a sauce with it. Extremely popular in the UK!
Why not treat yourself, the Missus and the Sprogs to a UK Holiday? I'll take you up Brick Lane to eat Curry until you implode.
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Post by: Frazzled
Maybe in the future MDG.
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
Yarrr.
Exchange is quite favourable at the moment!
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Post by: Mannahnin
Yeah, JF- if you haven't tried much Indian, I recommend it. Just try to check reviews (or with friends) and get a decent place.
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
Indeed. NOrmally the quality between restaurants is normally much of a muchness, barring the exceptionally good and downright dire, but I have found it much more pronounced in Indian cooking.
Some, for example, will batch cook the meats, and then just bung them in the sauce. Properly cooked, the meat is marinated in specific spices and cooked *in* the sauce. Both approaches are edible, but the latter has a supreme quality!
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Post by: Mannahnin
whatwhat wrote:After reading back the comments i'm not convinced, I mean the best example of a good american meal was ribs and pizza?
No, those were examples of great food that is (more or less) FROM here. Our pizza is usually so divergent from the original that one can easily see it as an American creation. And our version(s) of BBQ is (are) also fairly different from other places’ variations on grilled meat. Cajun food was another example of "American cuisine".
There are lots of other good ethnic cuisines here, but most of them are fairly direct descendents from elsewhere. You can get plenty good Italian food, for example, and it’s a staple in many American diets, but if we get it at a restaurant we still identify it as Italian. Same with Mexican. There’s plenty of good food in this country. But there’s plenty of bad too (as you clearly experienced).
whatwhat wrote:I kinda know now why you call that cheap processed cheese that comes in slices " American cheese" cause its typical of the stuff you eat in your diet.
Here’s where you started getting offensive. Obviously the people participating in this thread care at least a little about what we put in our mouths. When you draw unfounded conclusions about our diets based on crap that some of us wouldn’t even feed our pets (like processed cheese slices), naturally we think you’re out of line.
whatwhat wrote:But you obviously assume that because I didnt like your food I only went to fast food joints and franchises.
Well, we’re honestly surprised that you couldn’t find something good, particularly with this “friend” helping. If the guy couldn’t find you anything decent to eat over a span of weeks, even in Florida, then either he has no taste or he’s not really a friend and was deliberately messing with you.
whatwhat wrote:And btw, british food is not just fish and chips and haggis.
I love nice fish & chips. I’m not much of a fan of puddings. Other than the fish & chips, when I was in England most of the tasty things I ate were foreign (like kebabs and Indian). I’d certainly be interested in hearing more examples of tasty British cuisine.
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Post by: Frazzled
Mannahnin wrote:Yeah, JF- if you haven't tried much Indian, I recommend it. Just try to check reviews (or with friends) and get a decent place.
I had a client who was Indian at one point and we went to some restaraunts. I'm not a curry fan myself, but the rest was quite good. I'm only really a fan of really spicy chili, and a lot of the curries they had could melt my face.
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
British food tends to be very stodgy, aimed at filling a man up after a hard day in the fields or down the mine, reflecting our more humble origins.
Over the past few decades though, we have embraced foreign cuisine to a high degree. For example, Tikka Massala and Vindaloo both being peculiarly British dishes now.
Frazz, some Curry Houses will just have the hotter dishes being served. However, a nice creamy Korma is a good place to start. Hardly any heat, and a fair example of the taste you can expect. I don't mind a hot curry, but I don't see the point in one that would melt your Nan from 10 paces.
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Post by: Frazzled
Whats the difference in breakfasts? Knocking out croisants and breakfast tacos/migas whats British breakfast? I'm betting the US has the most similarity with UK on the "traditional" breakfast front. I should also exclude cereal.
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Post by: Mannahnin
My favorite part about Indian restaurants is the variety. There’s such a large variation in heat levels, they use multiple different meats but also typically have a huge variety of vegetarian items, and the spices/flavors are pretty diverse too. Tandoori Chicken or Chicken Tikka are often nice introductory items form Americans which won’t melt your face but have nice flavor. If you like the really hot stuff, I suspect you’ll love Vindaloo as much as I do. Chicken + potatoes + spicy tomatos and onions= good eating. I usually have mine with some nice fragrant jasmine rice to allow me to soak up and spread out the heat.
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
Indian is indeed excellent for the Veggie Weirdos, as numerous religious sects from the region are entirely Vegan.
A British Breakfast? Traditional, Full English would be.....
Proper Bacon, Sausages (Pork not Beef) Eggs (Fried or Scrambled, I prefer Fried) Fried Bread, Fried Tomato, Blackpudding and Mushrooms. Perhaps Beans as well if I'm really hungry. Is also referred to as a Fry Up. I like Toast and Butter afterwards, and of course a fresh pot of Tea is a must, stronger the better (let it mash!)
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Post by: Frazzled
How about pancakes, biscuits, and fruit?
Man I'm so glad I already ate lunch.
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
Pancakes? Nope, afraid not.
Biscuits are more of an Elevensy's thing (11 O'clock Teabreak, oddly when I start work!).
Fruit? Only if you're some sort of ponce watching your weight
Oh, and putting Maple Syrup on your brekkie, as well as putting Sugar on Eggy Bread (also known as French Bread but why I know not) is a crime punishable with not being allowed to eat your brekkie and an enforced Vegan diet.
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Post by: Ozymandias
JohnHwangDD wrote:
Ozymandias wrote:Remember I live in San Luis Obispo, recently named the "Most Californian Town" in all of California and a fast growing wine region. Here we do fusion cuisine right and since CA is the home of a large part of the country's fresh produce, we get fresher fruits and vegetables than the rest of the US (for the most part). Fresher food = better taste. Always. And as you mentioned the variety in CA can't really be beat.
Yup, fresh veggies are a major plus.
When I'm over that way again, I'll give it a go, but I'm going to need a recommendation for a decent fusion place.
____
Big Sky Cafe on Broad St. Good California cuisine (fusion Asian and Mexican with a little Cajun as well) and a great local wine list.
Ozymandias, King of Kings
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Post by: Frazzled
Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:Pancakes? Nope, afraid not.
Biscuits are more of an Elevensy's thing (11 O'clock Teabreak, oddly when I start work!).
Fruit? Only if you're some sort of ponce watching your weight
Oh, and putting Maple Syrup on your brekkie, as well as putting Sugar on Eggy Bread (also known as French Bread but why I know not) is a crime punishable with not being allowed to eat your brekkie and an enforced Vegan diet.
-Son, if you're eating that kind of manly breakfast then you need to experience the obsolute glory of pancakes/waffles with real Canadian maple syrup. be prepared to go into a diabetic coma shortly therefafter though but its so worth it 
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
Pffffrt. You can keep your girly poncy sweetness!
I'll get that from my Sugar Puffs!
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Post by: Frazzled
Watch out MDG. That knock you may hear at the door shortly is really not a delivery service but Canadian special forces, coming for you. Don't open the door, even if the offer you Tim Hortons donuts eh!
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Post by: Ozymandias
Canadian Maple Syrup?? No heathen, you must have real American Vermont Maple Syrup.
Seriously MDG you need to have good waffles with Maple Syrup. The waffle is designed to take stuff like this with all the little cups to catch the syrup!
Ozymandias, King of Kings
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
HA! I laugh at the Canadian Special Forces!
I will simply point out the lack of Kraft Dinner available in the UK, and they will cry.
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Post by: Mannahnin
Breakfast is a cool subject. Here in New England we have a lot of diners and breakfast restaurants which specialize in it.
Usually there are lots of different starches on offer- “English” muffins, croissants, toast, “French” toast, pancakes, waffles, hash browns (in shredded or chunky variations), pan fries (chunks of potato fried in the pan or on the griddle, usually with peppers and/or onions mixed in), bagels, and sweet baked muffins. Toppings for “English” muffins, pancakes, and waffles can vary from simple butter, fruit preserves or jam, to authentic maple syrup (or mass-produced imitation maple-flavored, more commonly). Bagels have many different things that get baked onto them, and can be topped with cream cheese, butter, fruit preserves, or lox.
Several variant preparations of fried eggs are popular, such as scrambled, sunny side up, and over easy. Omelets are popular too, with all kinds of fillings. “Southwestern” style omelets are enjoyed everywhere.
Meats include sausages (in patties or links, pork, beef, or a mix), BACON (typically thin-cut, can be floppy or crispy), and ham.
Fresh fruits are also popular. Grapefruit, sliced cantaloupe and honeydew, kiwi, and sometimes grapes and oranges.
Breakfast sandwiches are very common, in which you take a sliced English muffin, bagel, or croissant, and fill it with egg plus one of the aforementioned meats.
Drinks: Coffee is generally king, though tea also is popular. Milk and juice (usually orange- fresh squeezed is best- or cranberry) are usually consumed by the kids, sometimes by adults too.
If I’m planning on stuffing myself with breakfast out, it’ll usually be something like:
3 thick slices of French toast with maple and a little butter, three or four slices of bacon (crispy), maybe a small sausage or two, an English muffin with butter and a little salt, pan fries (with peppers and onions please!), a little mixed fruit on the side, all washed down with coffee, milk AND orange juice.
Edit: Vermont Maple syrup is king. The stuff we make here in NH is basically the same, though we don't have as much of it.
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
When I can be bothered, my Brekkie is usually just a bowl of cereal and a cigarette.
When I can't be bothered, brekkie is usually just a cigarette.
However, sometimes I do make myself a massive greasy fry up. Though never on a work day. Afterwards I need a couple of hours to let it settle. Yums!
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Post by: Ozymandias
Mannahnin can I have breakfast with you at Adepticon? That is like my perfect weekend morning breakfast.
Ozymandias, King of Kings
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Post by: 99MDeery
i'm going to have to agree with MDG here in regards to breakfast, bacon, sausage, egg, tomato, beans, mushrooms (not for me i dont eat anything that can potentially grow between your toes), toast, fried bread anything designed to give you a heart attack is a great way to start a day, also a great hangover cure (all that grease just soaks the booze right up)
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Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik
OH, and I prefer fairly well done but gone cold toast to it being hot.
Always have. I know it's odd, but thats how I like it! Yum!
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Post by: Mannahnin
MDG- Yeah, what I actually break my fast with on a typical day is usually a far cry short of that stuffing. Usually it’s more like an English muffin (or some pancakes; I usually have a few left over if I make them on the weekend), a glass of water, a glass of ovaltine, and a banana. The first three stuffed in my face as fast as I can before running out the door, and the last eaten as I drive. Then I get the coffee as soon as I arrive at work. If I’m running late I’ll often bring the English muffins and butter with me to work and toast a couple here.
Ozy- Absolutely! Since the Saturday and Sunday events start early, Friday is probably the best chance of that, or Friday night. They’ve switched hotels, so we should check with the Chicago locals for a good place.
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Post by: MagickalMemories
whatwhat wrote:Last month when I was in the US I went into a certain fast food chain in which they had mild sauce, hot sauce, and fire sauce. The fire sauce, supposedly the hottest, which my American friend refused to try, was weak as hell. That kind of makes me think they're not a society brought up on spicy food, curry for example. I may be wrong however.
Not brought up on spicy foods?
We're freaking Americans. The world's "great melting pot." We're brought up on EVERYTHING.
It's jut that MOST people here choose NOT to eat overly spicy food. Where *I* would use the fire sauce, simply so I could feel SOMETHING from its' spiceness, that stuff's really hot to someone who chooses not to eat spicy food often.
The names aren't chosen, literally, to infer that they really are that hot, but "Weak, Mild and Slightly Hot" are not choices that would "test" well in marketing.
Eric
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Post by: JohnHwangDD
legoburner wrote:One of my favourite things about having people visit from the US is getting them their first good chicken tikka dish. Then some high quality Korean barbeque and top quality sushi, and perhaps if there is time some Nepalese or proper Chinese food
I tend to eat in the rural midwest, freshness is a factor
Holy god, no wonder you think food in London is "good". Aside from variations of meat & potatoes, there's not much remarkable in midwest. Now of you were to go to SoCal or SLO, you'd be able to get *authentic* Korean BBQ, sushi, and Chinese food. Also, would it kill you to ask a local Chinese person for a food recommendation some time? They can nearly always point you to the best Asian food in the area. Even in the Midwest. Tho if you're focusing on tiny rural places, well, there's not much anyone can do. That's why we move from the farms to the cities.... ____ whatwhat wrote:Wow this thread didn't take long to start annoying some americans did it.
I mean the best example of a good american meal was ribs and pizza?
Quite frankly the attitude is more from you than anything else... :S I can get excellent, 4-star and 5-star meals pretty much anywhere in the US. Indeed, when my wife and I dine out, we tend to only eat at finer dining establishments - otherwise we save and eat at home. My examples were of native (regional) American foods. BBQ is uniquely American, famously Southern, and the babybacks are easily the best of class. Chicago-style stuffed pizza pies are from the midwest and stand as top eats against anything else in the world. Cajun is native to Louisiana and, again, has a sense of flavor that you won't find anywhere else. Quite frankly, for inexpensive & spiced, Cajun food easily beats Indian food hands down. It's laughable that you'd even compare the two if you've ever had the experience. But then, "British cuisine" and "British fine dining" are pretty much the definitions of "oxymoron". ____ Mannahnin wrote:whatwhat wrote:And btw, british food is not just fish and chips and haggis.
I’d certainly be interested in hearing more examples of tasty British cuisine.
As I said earlier, "rosbif" ____ Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:A British Breakfast? Traditional, Full English would be.....
Proper Bacon, Sausages (Pork not Beef) Eggs (Fried or Scrambled, I prefer Fried) Fried Bread, Fried Tomato, Blackpudding and Mushrooms. Perhaps Beans as well if I'm really hungry. Is also referred to as a Fry Up. I like Toast and Butter afterwards, and of course a fresh pot of Tea is a must, stronger the better (let it mash!)
Yum, I love this kind of thing! I can almost eat breakfast all day long... For me: bacon and multiple kinds of pork sausages, fried egg, a bit of fruit, thin flapjacks or crispy waffles with butter & maple syrup, and tea or black coffee to wash it down. ____ Ozymandias wrote:Big Sky Cafe on Broad St. Good California cuisine (fusion Asian and Mexican with a little Cajun as well) and a great local wine list.
Danke, danke!
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Post by: whatwhat
Yeh I've already been told about this attitude I have. I should be locked up or something me.
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Post by: Mannahnin
Yeah! Locked up in a good restaurant somewhere in the US, to repent for your sins through glorious yankee gluttony.
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Post by: Ozymandias
Mannahnin: Cool, I'm doing the Fantasy Escalation so I'll have a long morning.
JHDD: One of the things I miss from growing up in the LA area is the lack of more authentic Chinese and Korean food. I had lots of Asian friends when I lived down in your neck of the woods and they'd always take me to their fav spots in China-town or Korean-town. I miss Korean BBQ (one thing we don't have in SLO... :( ).
Ozymandias, King of Kings
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Post by: whatwhat
Yeh as always the old, if somebodies opinion cant be changed just tell em theyve got an attitude problem comes through.
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Post by: Ozymandias
Yeah the old, I have an attitude problem and you guys called me out on it so I'll say its you being defensive and not me.
Lighten up dude.
Ozymandias, King of Kings
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Post by: whatwhat
lol
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Post by: dogma
You're really taking umbrage to some, clearly sarcastic, comments about food? You didn't like it? Fair enough. I don't particularly care for French, or English food. Their cooking methods are useful, but the balance of spices is off to my mind.
People were annoyed because you went from the benign territory of food, into the charged area of cultural judgment without substantiating yourself.
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Post by: whatwhat
And how exactly did I do that?
I give my opinion on your food, some dont like it and try to convince me otherwise, im not convinced, i have an attitude problem. Rather than my own opinon.
as I said before, meh.
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Post by: Arctik_Firangi
Take it from someone a little closer to your age group. You've got an attitude problem. You're being unhelpful. You posted a sniping 'lol'. This isn't a broad generalisation like 'americans eat pizza and ribs', but incidentally I do have pretty stereotypical opinions on UK students, from my experience. Contribute or shut the hell up.
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Post by: Mannahnin
whatwhat wrote:And how exactly did I do that?
I give my opinion on your food, some dont like it and try to convince me otherwise, im not convinced, i have an attitude problem. Rather than my own opinon.
as I said before, meh.
Mannahnin wrote:whatwhat wrote:After reading back the comments i'm not convinced, I mean the best example of a good american meal was ribs and pizza?
No, those were examples of great food that is (more or less) FROM here. Our pizza is usually so divergent from the original that one can easily see it as an American creation. And our version(s) of BBQ is (are) also fairly different from other places’ variations on grilled meat. Cajun food was another example of "American cuisine".
There are lots of other good ethnic cuisines here, but most of them are fairly direct descendents from elsewhere. You can get plenty good Italian food, for example, and it’s a staple in many American diets, but if we get it at a restaurant we still identify it as Italian. Same with Mexican. There’s plenty of good food in this country. But there’s plenty of bad too (as you clearly experienced).
whatwhat wrote:I kinda know now why you call that cheap processed cheese that comes in slices " American cheese" cause its typical of the stuff you eat in your diet.
Here’s where you started getting offensive. Obviously the people participating in this thread care at least a little about what we put in our mouths. When you draw unfounded conclusions about our diets based on crap that some of us wouldn’t even feed our pets (like processed cheese slices), naturally we think you’re out of line.
whatwhat wrote:But you obviously assume that because I didnt like your food I only went to fast food joints and franchises.
Well, we’re honestly surprised that you couldn’t find something good, particularly with this “friend” helping. If the guy couldn’t find you anything decent to eat over a span of weeks, even in Florida, then either he has no taste or he’s not really a friend and was deliberately messing with you.
whatwhat wrote:And btw, british food is not just fish and chips and haggis.
I love nice fish & chips. I’m not much of a fan of puddings. Other than the fish & chips, when I was in England most of the tasty things I ate were foreign (like kebabs and Indian). I’d certainly be interested in hearing more examples of tasty British cuisine.
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Post by: dogma
whatwhat wrote:And how exactly did I do that?
I give my opinion on your food, some dont like it and try to convince me otherwise, im not convinced, i have an attitude problem. Rather than my own opinon.
as I said before, meh.
When you said "...its typical of the stuff you eat in your diet." Blanket generalizations tend to get at people. Especially if, when they respond, your response is 'meh'. If you're not interested in discussing something there isn't really a point to saying so unless you're trying to enshrine your judgment as superior.
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Post by: Frazzled
Modquisition on:
This thread is sliding into a personal discussion. For the good of the nation (movie quote-Bueller? anyone?) I am going to shut this down but invite MDG or others to post more food related threads well, NOW
Modquisition Off:
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