I had the privilege of interviewing my brother Sam who is currently studying abroad in Europe. I wanted to reach out to him to get his insight on how the European eating experience differs from that in America, and how alcohol can be used to compliment the eating experience.
1) What differences have you noticed in the european eating style compared to the united states?
The differences in eating style between the US and Europe are less about the style of food, but the style of the eating experience. Depending on where you go in Europe, the types of foods vary, like between most countries. However, in Europe as a whole, the eating experience is different than in the US in that the service is extremely slow and laid back, as the restaurant wants you to be relaxed during your meal experience. In the US, it may seem like the main goal of the restaurant is to serve you quality food in as fast a time as possible, to ensure they can turn over you table and make as much money as possible. Here, in Europe, no one is in a rush; they offer you coffee and don't give you the check unless you ask for it. The coffee culture is such that people always sit at a café for their espresso and cappuccino, instead of taking drip coffee from Starbucks on the go. And, for example, the restaurant culture is so laid back that, in Madrid the other day, we had to ask for the check four times before they brought it over. The chances of that happening in the US are slim, as US restaurants tend to be concerned with making as much money as possible by getting someone else in their restaurant quickly after you. Also, many places do not allow you to get food to-go, as they believe you should sit down and enjoy the food.
2) How does alcohol (craft beers, wine) complement the eating experience?
Alcohol greatly complements the eating experience. And, depending on which countries you are in, they each use alcohol to complement their food in different ways. For example, in Spain, people drink wine and sangria to complement their food to bring out better flavor in the food and to slow them down throughout the meal. Wine and sangria are the drinks of choice when it comes to dining in Spain, as you rarely see a diner without sipping on one of the two. In Belgium, however, wine takes the back seat as beer is the choice of beverage. Having some of the best and most variety of beer in the world, Belgians can be seen sipping slowly on their beer to enjoy the full taste, as a wine connoisseur would do with wine. Belgians pair their beer with various foods and allow it to slow down their meal as well. Alcohol plays a huge role in having a true European dining experience. The purpose of alcohol during a meal is not to get buzzed or drunk, it is fundamentally to enhance the flavor of the food and create a well rounded eating experience.
3) What are some of the most interesting dishes you have tried?
Croquettes - a fried ball stuffed with cheese and beef/fish Dutch pancake – a thin breading with savory or sweet ingredients on top (pretty much an open crepe) Dutch bread – toast with ham and jelly on top Jamon iberico bocadillo – small Spanish sandwich with delicious aged ham in it Chocolate churros – warm churros dipped into cup of hot chocolate syrup
4) Why is food great?
Food is great because it not only tastes amazing and satisfies your needs, but it acts as a main ingredient to a country’s culture. And, as part of a country’s culture, food creates a culture of its own. Food is great because it gives you time to socialize and provide unique experiences for communication. Food is great because the main ingredients of a dish are mostly the same, yet the way something is prepared gives it a special taste each time.
1) What differences have you noticed in the european eating style compared to the united states?
The differences in eating style between the US and Europe are less about the style of food, but the style of the eating experience. Depending on where you go in Europe, the types of foods vary, like between most countries. However, in Europe as a whole, the eating experience is different than in the US in that the service is extremely slow and laid back, as the restaurant wants you to be relaxed during your meal experience. In the US, it may seem like the main goal of the restaurant is to serve you quality food in as fast a time as possible, to ensure they can turn over you table and make as much money as possible. Here, in Europe, no one is in a rush; they offer you coffee and don't give you the check unless you ask for it. The coffee culture is such that people always sit at a café for their espresso and cappuccino, instead of taking drip coffee from Starbucks on the go. And, for example, the restaurant culture is so laid back that, in Madrid the other day, we had to ask for the check four times before they brought it over. The chances of that happening in the US are slim, as US restaurants tend to be concerned with making as much money as possible by getting someone else in their restaurant quickly after you. Also, many places do not allow you to get food to-go, as they believe you should sit down and enjoy the food.
2) How does alcohol (craft beers, wine) complement the eating experience?
Alcohol greatly complements the eating experience. And, depending on which countries you are in, they each use alcohol to complement their food in different ways. For example, in Spain, people drink wine and sangria to complement their food to bring out better flavor in the food and to slow them down throughout the meal. Wine and sangria are the drinks of choice when it comes to dining in Spain, as you rarely see a diner without sipping on one of the two. In Belgium, however, wine takes the back seat as beer is the choice of beverage. Having some of the best and most variety of beer in the world, Belgians can be seen sipping slowly on their beer to enjoy the full taste, as a wine connoisseur would do with wine. Belgians pair their beer with various foods and allow it to slow down their meal as well. Alcohol plays a huge role in having a true European dining experience. The purpose of alcohol during a meal is not to get buzzed or drunk, it is fundamentally to enhance the flavor of the food and create a well rounded eating experience.
3) What are some of the most interesting dishes you have tried?
Croquettes - a fried ball stuffed with cheese and beef/fish Dutch pancake – a thin breading with savory or sweet ingredients on top (pretty much an open crepe) Dutch bread – toast with ham and jelly on top Jamon iberico bocadillo – small Spanish sandwich with delicious aged ham in it Chocolate churros – warm churros dipped into cup of hot chocolate syrup
4) Why is food great?
Food is great because it not only tastes amazing and satisfies your needs, but it acts as a main ingredient to a country’s culture. And, as part of a country’s culture, food creates a culture of its own. Food is great because it gives you time to socialize and provide unique experiences for communication. Food is great because the main ingredients of a dish are mostly the same, yet the way something is prepared gives it a special taste each time.