Oh, how very English.

There is definitely a truth that each region has it's own flavor.  I honestly have been in Taco Bell once.  And I tend to like the regional specialties and unique flavors that abound.  Yes - there are many who like things to be the same all the time (I grew up in small town Pa...it's that way there) - but for so many Americans, taking chances/risks is actually okay & enjoyed!

no i cant say it does....the only time it would hit me is when i am in the states and i say thats very british...if i do something that i am use to doing...

however from hubby sometimes i get...

thats very american.... if i do something..

but i never say to him or the family thats very english or italian as there italian...

i just find it normal...

offer pretty much the same thing.

While it is certainly true that pubs tend to have the same items on their set menus, - steak and chips, sausage and mash, cod in breadcrumbs, steak and kidney pie etc. - I don't find any uniformity in the way the food has been sourced, cooked, or presented*.  This I think is in contrast to say, McDonald's, where the the 'Big Mac' is the same wherever you go in this country: the ingredients come from the same food-factory, the cooking is identical, and the assembling and presentation are always the same.

Obviously "pub chains" like Chef & Brewer and Harvester similarly provide pretty standardized meals, but I don't really count them as pubs.

It would be most interesting to compare the set menus of various pubs around the country.  Next time I'm in my "local" (contrary to popular belief I don't spend *all* my time in the pub!  ) I'll make a note of what's on the menu and post it up in a new thread called Pub Grub, and perhaps other forates would do the same?  Would that give some clue as to how far pub grub tends to be uniform?

* Most pubs, as well as having their set menu with the usual items, also have their chalk boards, with today's "specials" on them, to offer some relief from the standard repertoire.

I abasolutely agree, Howard, that the 'uniformity' is not on the same level as that of McDonalds. What I am thinking though, is that so many pubs are chain owned now - and sometimes you don't even know it - and they often have predictable, similar food choices.

For example, a pub we like, the St George and Dragon on the Exeter/Topsham road, is cozy with beams and fireplaces. The food is good but not outstanding. But I was very surprised to learn that the majority of it was frozen! Perhaps this is what I am getting at...so much pub food, even surprisingly good pub food, is often frozen or microwaved. There's no real cooking going on...

As for the 'specials' I've recently found out (by asking!) that often those are frozen, too!

Again, I know there are excpetions and I love to hear about them - and even better, eat at them! I guess I still maintain that unless you are in London or some of the other larger UK cities, restaurant and pub choices in the UK don't offer the same variety you can get in comparable US areas.

I'm probably not making myself very clear here.... 

Howard, you making fun of my Taco Bell addiction?  Them's fightin' words!   

You're perfectly clear, dear Balmerhon, and I do agree with you about pre-prepared food and microwaving.  I think we are both "Steinian" in our approach to food??!!

Howard, you making fun of my Taco Bell addiction?  Them's fightin' words!

lol, not at all, dear Lola!  It was your countryman B. Bryson's words, not mine, complaining about the uniformity imposed by the chain at the expense of local flair and variety.  For myself, I've never tried Taco Bell, therefore cannot give an opinion!

Never fear dear Lola! I shall come to your defense...Despite my obvious preference for *quality* food and ingredients, I have to confess to a fondness for occassional (OK frequent) cravings for a little fast food. When last home in early March I took a great deal of pleasure in finding myself without any company one day, going to the Taco Bell drive-thru, and loading up! I have to say, I didn't finish it, and liked it less than I had the last time I had done this! But, dang, it was good!

That said, I do a pretty mean burrito and nachos here, so the mexican cravings are less and less!

 

You're perfectly clear, dear Balmerhon, and I do agree with you about pre-prepared food and microwaving.  I think we are both "Steinian" in our approach to food??!!

Well Howard, after my confessions above you'll probably think not, but I have to say that, yes, in my ideal world I am a bit Steinian or Slaterian! I shall continue to strive for this ideal and fight the capitalist, uniformity police that are deeply bred into my sad American gastronomic genes! 

Steinians/Slaterians of the world unite, Balmerhon!!!!!

When last home in early March I took a great deal of pleasure in finding myself without any company one day, going to the Taco Bell drive-thru, and loading up! I have to say, I didn't finish it, and liked it less than I had the last time I had done this! But, dang, it was good!

I'm hoping the same thing will happen to me.  I've had a fine time over here w/ Burger King, McDonald's, and KFC because their food is gross and different compared w/ their offerings in the US.  I guess my problem with Taco Bell is that it's not available here and, as a result, I'm going through some sort of withdrawal! Hopefully I'll decide I don't like it anymore after I've been back and had a burrito rennaissance in the States.   

I've had a fine time over here w/ Burger King, McDonald's, and KFC because their food is gross and different compared w/ their offerings in the US. 

I love fast food and I'd agree that KFC is superior in the United States, but I find that in the UK, US or Cananda,  BK and McDs food is identically revolting. Of course, perhaps my palate isn't refined enough to tell the difference

I love fast food and I'd agree that KFC is superior in the United States, but I find that in the UK, US or Cananda,  BK and McDs food is identically revolting. Of course, perhaps my palate isn't refined enough to tell the difference

Hehe.  Well, my refined palate tells me that UK BK and McDs taste like cardboard.  At least US BK and McDs taste like cardboard covered in ketchup!   

Hehe.  Well, my refined palate tells me that UK BK and McDs taste like cardboard.  At least US BK and McDs taste like cardboard covered in ketchup!   

...and dill pickles! Don't forget the pickles!

Yes I do try to avoid pickles at all times. And Fennel. And cilantro. Green is bad, come to think of it.