American Way

 

Living with international kids has fostered quite the cultural exchange. We often talk about idiomatic expressions and language as we try to communicate in Spanish. Andrea translates video games from Italian to English and is always using uncommon expressions he finds in the scripts. Dinner is an experience; if someone cooks, they food they prepared surprises the others.

I seldom think of American food as exotic or unique. In fact most people claim we have no real food culture. But in the past two days I have introduced tex-mex burritos and grilled cheese into our flat. Andrea had tried a burrito a few years ago but they were completely foreign to Sophia.  Most people have had a cheese sandwich, but my Italian friend marveled at the “crunchiness” of the pan pressing. I feel authentic Kraft processed cheese or Cambell’s tomato soup would have gone too far. Maybe someday I’ll make Mac n’ Cheese or Ramen.

 

~ by aedlund on February 24, 2009.