Lifestyle

Bec Hardgrave reveals more confusing menus in the United States than in Australia

Louie

June 30, 2022

An Australian health and fitness instructor traveling to the United States from abroad experienced culture shock and “confused” at a dinner out.

Brisbane-based Bec Hardgrave noted in a video posted on TikTok that each starter dish is “huge” compared to the main dish when dining out.

In Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, an appetizer is a smaller meal served before the larger main course, but this is not the case in America.

Bec was unaware of the difference in portions and jokingly said that her clothes “don’t fit her anymore” and she had trouble fitting in with her jeans.

Scroll down for the video

While traveling in the United States, Australian health and fitness coach Bec Hardgrave (left) noticed that when dining out, each starter was “giant” compared to the main course. He once ordered chips that looked like they could be shared between two people (right)

Confused, Bec posted on TikTok, “I was told that the web is the web and the web – can someone explain this for me?” He posted a video.

“I’m an Australian traveling to America and I need to get a bone for you Americans, so listen up,” Bec said in the video.

“Every time I go to a restaurant or restaurant, the appetizers are huge!”

“And I was told that the first courses are the beginning and the beginnings are the first: Can someone explain this to me? Because I am very confused and my clothes no longer fit me ».

He continued, laughing, “I can’t wear jeans anymore, so I’d appreciate it if someone let me know.”

She had once ordered a nachos with guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes, beans and cheese, but the starter was the size of a large plate that looked like it could be shared between the two.

In the comments, other TikTok users explained why US startups are bigger than main courses. ‘The appetizers are like the ‘snack’ before the meal, and then the main course is the main course!’ someone wrote

In the comments, other TikTok users explained why US startups are bigger than main courses.

‘The appetizers are like the ‘snack’ before the meal, and then the main course is the main course!’ one person wrote.

But Bec, whose voice was still confused, said, “So what are the main points?! I swear every menu has a starter and a main course!”

Another person added: “Americans call the entrée the ‘main course’ because of 19th century gastronomic etiquette.

‘In the 1800s, there were up to 15 courses along with the appetizer, which is often called the ‘start of the main course’.

“Later, when that label changed and ‘main course’ consisted of only one course instead of four or five, ‘intro’ became the definition.”

The short video was also watched more than 7,000 times.

WHY AMERICANS CALL A KEY COURSE TO START:

The word “entry” was imported from France to the United States by French chefs in upscale restaurants in New York in the late 1800s.

Although this changed in the 20th century as meals became simpler and fewer dishes were served, meals at that time usually consisted of 15 dishes.

Prohibition and the Great Depression changed eating habits and beauty standards

Despite the fact that appetizers were cut from the menus (along with many other dishes that were cut), the term “entrée” remained on American menus.

Thus the entrée survived, but not in its original form. In the United States, appetizers became the main course and appetizers or entrees became the main course.

In France, the appetizer became the first dish, following its translation (“starter”, “starter”, “entry”) and the position of the dish before frying.

In England, Australia and New Zealand today, the word appetizer refers to one or more of the appetizers that come after the appetizers but before the main course.

Source: French

Source: Daily Mail