With the World Cup underway in multiple cities across the U.S., it’s a safe bet that millions of Americans are learning a whole lot about the game the rest of the world is so passionate about. At the same time, the rest of the world (well, the segment that’s travelled here to enjoy the games up close) is learning plenty about one of our most deeply held passions—fast food. And they’re all over social media to share the experience. Here’s some of what they’re posting about what we love to eat:
After his first trip to Taco Bell, Freddy from Germany posted simply “The holy land.”
Shaun from Scotland paid a visit to Texas convenience store chain Buc-ees, tried their famous caramel corn Beaver Nuggets, then posted “The European mind cannot comprehend how intoxicatingly good these things are. Yes, I was the European mind. A place like this could only exist in America and I love it.”
Fiagoi from Germany visited this Chicago fast-food institution and posted “bro they have a milkshake with cake in the cup it‘s ridiculous.”
John from England wrote “Not gonna lie, Big Gulps from 7/11 are easily one of my favourite things I’ve discovered in America so far.”
Remember Freddy from Germany, the guy who fell in love with Taco Bell? He had another revelation: “Just had our first Waffle House experience at 1am. Great food, great prices, and friendly staff. 10/10, we will be coming back.”
Elsa from Sweden discovered ranch dressing and posted “Why did no one tell me ranch sauce is like crack? Europe we need ranch asap. I think my trip just turned into - find the best ranch in America.” And she gushed about one specific dish: “Bacon wrapped tater tots with ranch OMFG.”
Another revelation for Shaun from Scotland: “I have discovered BBQ ribs in America - Carolina style with a vinegar sauce - and frankly every other meat is ruined for me now!
Tommo from England tried classic Chicago deep dish and posted “Oh my days. I may not eat for a week.”
And the games themselves are offering visitors a whole ‘nuther level of exposure to American cuisine. Many concessionaires at the stadiums hosting the games are leaning into local and regional American favorites. For example:
At Met Life stadium in New Jersey you can get a ripper dog, that’s a hot dog deep fried until it splits open, a Jersey staple.
At SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, tacos, Hawaiian plate lunches and premium sushi.
At Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Cuban sandwiches and conch fritters.
At Mercedes Benz, stadium in Atlanta, mac and cheese, a southern tailgate assortment, and oxtail egg rolls.
And many operators are modifying their menus because of the unrelenting pace of soccer. Since there are no timeouts or breaks in the action, many concessionaires are offering more grab and go options and fewer sit-down-with-your tray offerings so fans will miss the least amount of action while they get something to eat.
Of course, American stadium staples will still be available. As will foods specific to the countries of the teams playing. And premium offerings for VIP areas that dive deep into the world of gourmet cooking. Though you’d think everyone who can afford thousands of dollars for a ticket to a sporting event deserves VIP treatment. But even among the loaded, some are more loaded than others.
On the next Culinary Characters Unlocked podcast dropping tomorrow, Chef Lonie Murdock on reimagining Caribbean cuisine at her restaurant in Washington, D.C. And serving the Obamas. Wherever you get your podcasts:
YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT4Zovt2BsSuh98FvyEwcFA
APPLE PODCASTS
SPOTIFY
AMAZON MUSIC
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/28353fc5-11df-4a3e-8481-f989eb4aeaab/culinary-characters-unlocked
PODBEAN
https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/k2n6g-31b0b8/Culinary-Characters-Unlocked-Podcast
Eat well,
David
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