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

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Interesting drink - "iced salty pickled lemon juice"!

[v-otaku.livejournal.com]

If we'll talk about INTERESTING drinks... When I was in India I drink a lot of lassi, it's like drinkable yogurt. Lassi can have natural taste or some natural aroma - like mango or pineapple. I used to see lassies like this, but can you imagine my feelings when I see SWEAT lassi?)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Does this word means something else in India, or it was really sweat in the drink? I want to visit India, but I'll probably starve there, because I'm so picky with food. What else did you eat there? The meat is safe, or unsanitary?

[v-otaku.livejournal.com]

It means SWEET, but in more correct version of English)))))))) They're nice people, but sometimes have problems even with English grammatic. And I don't want to speak of they did with Russian...)

We're prefers light and pop version of India - I mean Goa, of course. If you don't want to see REAL India, it'll be very nice travel for you (except Baga beach, don't stay there! A lot of drunk russians and ukrainians!), you even don't need vaccination)))) Srsly - Goa is most clean and European state of all Indian states. Still, it have some Indian issues, and it is not for 5*-All-Included-People. But this is wonderful place. You can see my photos from there if you want.

https://vk.com/album94674_161396289 This is Goa
https://vk.com/album94674_189294936 And this is Kerala (other Indian state - much authentical and ergo - much difficult. Especially for girls: a lot of attention from local tourists)

Traditional tourist's mantra in restaurant - "Please, not so spicy, not so salty!" Something like this. If you need to know something else - ask me))) But sorry in advance for my corrupted English)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Cool pics, thanks! Such colorful people there to photograph. :) What do you think? Do men openly harass women there? For instance, if I'm a white woman walking down the street alone would they say something? I hear different opinions about whether it's safe for females to travel in remote parts of India alone.

[v-otaku.livejournal.com]

They're a very nice people, but I don't recommend you walk alone there...)) Especially - in different states (I mean not in Goa), they can be unpredictable - from words to deeds. So take with you some male friend and you'll be ok)