If you have never visited the States
before there will be many things that are very new to you. Even if
you have been here a few times some may still be a mystery.
Here we
will try to give an explanation of everything that seems 'different'
to what we are used to. Bear with us though, this is a big task...
If you need an answer quickly, try mailing us with your
question.
Grits are a courser grind of dried corn than Corn Meal. Basically
course ground dried corn kernels and made into a crude porridge
with added flavourings and usually fried. Yummy with Cinnamon
Apple sauce.
A general definition could be - a sweet cowboy style
Southern Breakfast Specialty.
What actually is it and how do I eat it?
A drop scone mixture, referred to as a biscuit, and a thick white
sauce usually flavoured as a mushroom type soup with either beef
or sausage or both. The gravy is used to soften and flavour the
biscuit. Usually served as an accompaniment to sausage. The basic
'white' sauce is flavoured with many other foods to give an
endless combination but the mushroom-y one seems to be the most
popular.
Not to all tastes but you will find it crops up wherever good
sit-down breakfasts are sold.
Deep fried, hot sauce
coated Chicken Wings - But why? Best explanation can be found
here... We refer to them in our
Bar & Grill Restaurants page.
--- ---
Beverages
What is Root Beer?
Short answer
- An acquired taste!
Long answer -A non-alcoholic
soda. A bit like the difference between a Cola and Dr Pepper taken
to the next stage. Flavoured with Wintergreen, yes- Wintergreen, the
smell of Germolene, which is actually Sassafras or these days a
modern synthetic equivalent. (it's actually illegal to sell
Sassafras in the USA, it's a narcotic That's why these Seltzer style
drinks gave you a lift!)
Not to ever one's tastes - McDonald's tried it in the UK when they
first came here but it didn't catch on. Probably too many grazed
knees as a kid to make the taste palatable.
It is very refreshing on a hot day when it's ice cold. Disgusting
when warm... Tastes thicker than a Cola and seems to fill you up as
well. Americans 'drink' a Cola but seem to have a 'love affair' with
Root Beer, yet it's not as popular as the big two Cola's!
A&W
is Americas favourite yet it is owned by Cadbury Schweppes. You
can find some Root Beers in the UK but it's not easy.
Give it a go - A Root Beer & Chocolate Mint Chip float
is just to die for. Honest!
The 'Root' they serve at 'The Cracker Barrel' is particularly
tasty and comes in a frozen pitcher...
Well actually it's one of the quickest and
healthiest ways to eat in the USA. Traditionally a huge baguette (although
they refer to it as an Italian loaf), copiously filled with meats and
salads and dressing(s) {mix dressings - I love Thousand Island & Blue
Cheese} and accompanied by about 15 napkins, all needed!
An American Classic, most are filled as you order and can be
picked from a Menu or constructed to your own design. So, there is the
Veggie option!
When you need to get out early for that trip to the Parks or more
importantly to The Kennedy Space Centre or the Coast, grad a 'Sub' on the
way and eat at your leisure.
Much cheaper in the Franchise Locations and Supermarkets than inside the
attractions...
Also know as - an "Hero," a "Hoagie," a "Grinder," a "Poor Boy," a
"Dagwood" ans I'm sure many more names.
More detailed history available
here... We refer to them on our
Snacks & Treats page.
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Chips
A quick rush to order, may land you with a puzzled look....
If you should see a Menu item of Steak & Chips, you won't quite get
what you expected.
In the USA 'Chips' are potato chips - crisps. 'Real 'Chips' (should
you ever be able to find them) may be referred to as 'British Fries'
for a chunkier variety or French Fries for the stringy burger &
chips type.
A few of the British Pubs along US Hwy 192 do their best at a proper
'chip' and the British Pavilion's Fish n' Chips location in Disney's
Epcot Centre is run by Harry Ramsden's. Although I'm pretty
sure they don't make their own. (take lot's of $ with you!)
--- ---
Driving
Free Right at a Red
Light Rule...
You may turn right 'against' the Traffic Light in Florida, but only
if the coast is clear. You must come to a complete stop
first...
Cars in front of you may go through the Red Light and turn right.
This is normal and you should do also.
Don't get pressured by people behind you... Take it easy and make
sure nothing is anywhere near you coming from the left before you
move. Move away smoothly and purposefully. One you start don't stop
- you shouldn't have gone if it wasn't clear to do so...
If the light is Green, just go. (obvious)
If you just sit there and people behind will sound their horn
at you! Don't be pressured, the light will change soon.
Be safe -
not sorry!
Information on this site is provided 'as is'.
Apologies for any omissions or errors. E.& O. E.
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Find it -
What
(is that)? - An explanation of some things