What do Russian tourists eat in America?

[peacetraveler22]

For the past two days, I hosted popados and his lovely friend Luba in Washington, DC. Yes, they visited the State Department for cookies, but it was necessary to feed them proper meals. I offered to slave away in the kitchen, to prove that American women CAN cook, but they wanted to eat in restaurants so I took them to two ordinary places where a lot of Americans dine - Chili's and Outback Steakhouse. These are not expensive restaurants, but you can get a good meal at a cheap price, and taste some typical American cuisine. You can find these chains in almost all States across the U.S. Plus, it's always fun to sit in a cafe or restaurant and observe the natives in a social environment. Most Americans eat out several times a week, when they're in a hurry or just too lazy to prepare a homemade dinner. The list of choices is endless, even small towns typically have several shopping centers and restaurants. In this photo, a Tex-Mex salad, covered with chicken, salsa, beans, corn, peppers and avocado. But, of course, you can't come to America and not eat steak. :)) So, on the first night we went to devour a bloody piece of meat...

On Sundays and Wednesdays, Outback Steakhouse runs a special where you can get a steak, a side item (like potato, vegetable or rice), a salad, bread and a small dessert for only $12.99!  I don't understand why people go to fancy steak places and spend $50 or $60 for a piece of meat, when you can pay $13 and get steak of good quality. In upscale or fancy steak houses, you also pay a high price for meat only, and then each side dish is an additional cost (around $9 for a potato or plate of veggies!).



At Chili's, Arthur chose a combo meal - you can pick 3 items out of a list of 20 for $13.29. He picked small burgers, fried cheese and Southwestern eggrolls.



I love this place because they have computer screens at all tables, where you can place your own order if you prefer. If you decide in the middle of eating that you want a beer or dessert, just order directly from the table without the need to wait for the server to return. You can do everything from this portal, even pay your check and wait for the receipt to print, then leave without having to rely on the waitress to come back. Very efficient and fast.



If you visit the U.S., always try to find a local who can show you ordinary life, take you to places where natives travel, shop and eat on a weekly basis. Otherwise, you miss out on a true part of American culture. I'm grateful I now have so many friends in Moscow and other parts of Russia who show me the same when I visit the country. However, I haven't been to many Russian restaurants. We almost always cook at home when I visit Moscow.

Have you visited the U.S.? What or where did you eat on your journey?

Comments

[creamy-mood.livejournal.com]

I ate in a few womderful Taverns in NYC but do not remember names :) I also enjoy Chipotle fast food restaurant, they are of a quite decent quality and amaze me by their elephant portions :))) I live in Paris, and we have 2 or 3 Chipotle restaurants since a couple of years but the portions and at least 2 times smaller :)
I loved Katz in NYC as well, delicious pastrami! There were some few nice restaurants in places I visited in Florida, and somehow I do not remeber the names at all. We ate in excessively expensive restaurant located right inside New York Staples center, but though it was good, I do not know why their bills are that high. As you say, each side dish for at least 10 bucks, and portions were not big.
Waffle house, ColdStone, and yes, Bur ger King that is a tremendous success in France, are nice as well.
I am sure, there are a lot of local restaurants serving nice and healthy food everywhere, but somehow, fast foods are easier to remember.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Very good! These are real American restaurants, esp. Waffle House. :)) I also love Chipotle, they have awesome food and you can eat healthy there if you want. Just get one of the salads, and top the meat with lots veggies. I like the barbacoa there - spicy, shredded beef. Delicious!