Ciao Americani! I will be in America and wondering if different when eating with Americans and when eating with Italians.....incase you not know, Italians love food! :)
Thanks for help...grazie mille!
2006-11-08 12:40:11 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Well, we americans love eating and we love different kinds of food , american, italian, mexican etc.. so i don't think we are any different in that area at all, probably not in anything else either, so i hope i answered your question, and welcome hope you really like it here i know i do.
2006-11-08 12:48:58 · answer #1 · answered by sweetemtation_123 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Americans tend to be straightforward and expect that others are as well. A friend of mine from another country was shocked when she offered her American friend some food and the American accepted immediately--in his country, you are supposed to refuse at least twice before accepting.
So, if an American offers you food and you refuse out of being polite, you may not get the food because the American will think you really don't want it (you may be offered other kinds of food instead, though).
General rule then is to assess honestly and then state your desires directly whether you want a particular dish, how much you really want in a serving, whether you really want more or less on your plate, and whether you want to share--if you offer to share food from your plate, the American who wants a taste will take it believing that you really wanted to share.
I hope that helps! Benvenuto!
2006-11-09 00:34:43 · answer #2 · answered by j14456um 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most American families eat while sitting in front of the TV. some families don't sit down together for a meal for months at a time. food is often prepared from frozen or from a box if not purchased from a local take-out. we don't go to market - we buy our food from large grocery stores that have had the food on the shelves for weeks, so far less fresh. that makes it sound quite sad, but if we're having guests, we usually make a big effort and bring out all the old family recipes so you could be in for a fun treat!
welcome & hope you have a really nice experience!
2006-11-08 20:54:39 · answer #3 · answered by Gabrielle 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Americans eat poorly and in a hurry. A lunch lasts only 45-50 minutes. Forget nice, tasty and long - 2 to 3 hour long lunches. No time, no topic to discuss. No manners either. And you'll see plenty of single people eating alone in front of a TV.
So bring your all good Italian manners with you to share and spare. Everybody will benefit.
2006-11-08 21:59:49 · answer #4 · answered by Borat2® 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In America, the salad comes first, not last. We generally eat earlier in the evening. In a restaurant, we eat our meal and leave, it is not a whole evening affair. We probably make a bigger deal about lunch, sometimes lunch is a full meal.We do not use our knife to assist in eating, we set it on the edge of the plate between needs to cut something. In restaurants, the tip is not usually included on the bill, read the bottom of the menu, it may say that it is included for large groups of people.
That's all I know! And you will find Americans love to eat, too. Our "melting pot" culture has brought all kinds of cuisine here for us to eat. Welcome to America!
2006-11-09 10:19:18 · answer #5 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're in luck! Americans love food too! And we also tend to be pretty social when we eat, and talk during meals. Eating with Americans is a fun time! (Well, everything with Americans is a fun time!) Good Luck!
2006-11-08 20:49:33 · answer #6 · answered by alanna801 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just to make sure - my experience is based on countries like: France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Belgium - sorry not Italy: Americans are comfortable, use a knife to cut meat or poultry and then put it aside and grab fork with the right hand. In the a/m countries it's unacceptable just like using knife to cut fish - should use two kinds of fork to eat fish. Of course, no elbows onthe table in Europe. There are other differences - but in general Americans want to be RELAXED !!!
2006-11-08 21:59:20 · answer #7 · answered by annie b 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You're in luck, many Americans have poor 'table manners' and can be slobs at times. When you arrive they will attempt to eat civilized just for you! Usually eating is informal and a relaxing experience. Pasta is a staple for many Americans also.
2006-11-08 21:15:20 · answer #8 · answered by Mr.Wise 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes! okay an important cultural thing for you to know is that if you say you are not hungry they will believe you. And if u ask for just a tiny piece u will get just a tiny piece! yea other than that don't burp and u'll be okey dokey :D
2006-11-08 20:58:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simply use the same etiquette that you have always used. It could be possible for YOU to be the teacher. As a "student", just watch and learn.....
Bonn Appetite!!!
2006-11-08 20:50:05 · answer #10 · answered by x_southernbelle 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋