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Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2674 Posts |
 Posted - 04/05/2004 : 03:14:39
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How come Spain and France are neighbours and Spanish food for the most part is shit and French isn't? Okay shit is a little strong but it's what I feel the comparison with the French food I've eaten leads me to. My mother has a house near Perpignan and last visit she brought down delicious bread, so given how close that is to here what I gather is the bread starts to improve vastly as soon as you leave the Spanish border.
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"You one of those right-wing nut outfits?" inquired the diplomatic Metzger.
Fallopian twinkled. "They accuse us of being paranoids."
"They?" inquired Metzger, twinkling also.
"Us?" asked Oedipa.
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TheCroutonFuton
- Mr. Setlists -
USA
1728 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 03:17:21
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I got a chocolate filled croissant when I was in the Eiffel Tower. It sucked. I must admit, though, the other places I ate at in France were beyond comparison. Mmm...France...
 "Join the Cult of Gunn / And Then You'll Be Destined to be a Rock and Roll Star of Epical Proportions!" |
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vilainde
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Niue
7443 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 04:19:11
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Chocolate filled croissant? It sounds weird.
Anyway I went to Spain last year (Madrid) and indeed, the food was awful. Well actually France is surrounded by countries that can't cook: Spain, England, Germany... Only Italy has great food.
Denis
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Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2674 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 05:28:19
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Don't forget Ireland. We managed to starve ourselves most recently.
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"You one of those right-wing nut outfits?" inquired the diplomatic Metzger.
Fallopian twinkled. "They accuse us of being paranoids."
"They?" inquired Metzger, twinkling also.
"Us?" asked Oedipa.
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El Barto
= Song DB Master =
USA
4020 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 07:42:27
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Does Spanish food differ a lot from Mexican food? Cause I love Mexican food...what kind of food does Spain have to offer?
 "Join the Cult of Brit / And let your oral hygiene go out the window." |
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vilainde
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Niue
7443 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 07:59:51
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They have absolutely nothing in common. Basically Spain has paella which tastes great, and super-greasy tapas which can be good too, if your stomach can endure all the fat.
Denis
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Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2674 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 08:10:52
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It's like a less adventurous cousin to Mexican food (even Argentinian food kicks its ass), spiciness isn't as common, and there are way less beans than rice - not much refried beans either. The most popular dish would be paella, which is peppers fried in a gallon of oil and then cooked with rice and saffron and chicken, and the unique ingredient seems to be the additive which turns it yellow/orange. It can be nice in a food-as-bulk kind of way, you know if you don't want to think about eating or cooking for the rest of the day. A barbecue on the beach a while back I saw 5/6 men dancing round a 5ft paella pan over this monstrous bonfire and none of them could get close enough to cook it, which kindof summed it up for me. Ham is an honorary vegetable over here - vegetarians are scarce and they must stop vegans at Customs and Excise.
Cause it's so hot here they don't mind food going cold - I was at a friends house and he cooked, then left it to cool on the counter while he prepared the dog's food in the microwave. However, my favourite here is gazpacho, the cold tomato soup with peppers and cucumbers and garlic and toasted bread, which is wonderful. |
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Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2674 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 08:23:58
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Oh that's what Denis' post reminded me of - oil is a food group here, and often in the greasy tapas section you'll find salchichon, sausages that are left out for weeks to harden so I figure the bazillions of bacteria must all grow so large that no one of them can dominate and make you sick - a bit like all the germs trying to squeeze through the door of Mr. Burns ("and I call this little critter here pancreatic cancer").
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"You one of those right-wing nut outfits?" inquired the diplomatic Metzger.
Fallopian twinkled. "They accuse us of being paranoids."
"They?" inquired Metzger, twinkling also.
"Us?" asked Oedipa.
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vilainde
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Niue
7443 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 08:57:43
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That cracks me up
(sometimes I use english expressions without actually knowing what it means. I hope this one is correct. I wanted to say that I found Newo's post funny)
I only spent 3 days in Spain but my opinion on their food is exactly what Newo says. I ate more ham and more fat in these 3 days than during my entire life.
Denis
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 09:17:38
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Heh, that's the right expression Denis. Sometimes I forget how difficult it must be to speak English as a second language given all the nonsensical expressions we have...
I don't really remember the food in Spain being extraordinarily bad or good. We went out to dinner and watched some flamenco dancing, but the sangria was flowing so freely that even if the food was horrible, I'd never have noticed. :)
France, on the other hand, I spent many days in her bakeries, pastry shops, and small restaurants. I had some terrific crepes in Antibes that I'll probably never forget, along with a nice bottle of Coke in a glass bottle. What a life!
 "Join the Cult of Frank / And you'll be enlightened" |
Edited by - Cult_Of_Frank on 04/05/2004 10:20:23 |
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Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2674 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 09:52:34
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Mmm sangria
--
"You one of those right-wing nut outfits?" inquired the diplomatic Metzger.
Fallopian twinkled. "They accuse us of being paranoids."
"They?" inquired Metzger, twinkling also.
"Us?" asked Oedipa.
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offerw
* Dog in the Sand *
South Africa
1264 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 10:41:02
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Paella is great if done with calamari, prawns, mussels and other kinds of seafood. I never even knew they do it with chicken etc. I've spent a week-end in Madrid but cannot remember what the food was like which obviously tells me it was nothing special. I do remember that the English and German food was no good at all. My sister lived in Paris for three years and the one thing I remember very well about visiting her was the French bread. Very, very good. I'd say the Italian food is my favorite.
wilhelm |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 10:42:15
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quote:
Originally posted by El Barto
Does Spanish food differ a lot from Mexican food? Cause I love Mexican food...what kind of food does Spain have to offer?
"Join the Cult of Brit / And let your oral hygiene go out the window."
Let's face it, the Mexican's make the best food. 
I am no expert on Spanish food in general, but the La Tasca restaurants in the UK are excellent. Even if they do try and add things onto your bill.
I am also no expert in French cooking, but I have had has been OK, but not spectacular.
Italian is excellent, a very close second to Mexican for me.
I also love Thai, Chinese, Indian. Not too keen on Japanese. Bit bland.
Polish , Greek and Turkish are nice too.
Where do roast dinners originate from? I always think of them as being English, but really I have no idea. They are my favourite. I love a traditional turkey Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Despite my love for exotic food, this is still my favourite and I have a love for other bland meals such as bangers and mash and even fast food such as hot dogs.
Basically I LOVE food!!!
Damn, my mouth is watering now.
Hansel and Gretel have formed a band, .....And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Breadcrumbs!!! |
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Cheeseman1000
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Iceland
8201 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 11:08:20
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Roast lamb or beef is the finest food you're ever likely to eat, its just that Johnny Foreigner's taste buds have been numbed by excessive garlic.
Heh heh.
Just kidding, I use garlic in every single thing I cook, and I luuurve Italian.
I'm just getting into Carribean cooking, although I haven't ventured very far. Mmm, chicken rice & peas is so good. I want to try that recipe FB talks about from Puerto Rico.
 "Join The Cult Of Wormy Cheese Man/In Ten Words Or Less" |
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Adnan_le_Terrible
* Dog in the Sand *
France
1973 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 11:20:03
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I don't want to be chauvinistic or anything, but French food is definitely the best in the world. I like eating Mexican, Italian or Austrian (yes, that's right) food once in a while, but French food is more balanced and has more diversity than any other.
I grew up in a region famous for good food (le Gers, for those who know it) and I just got addicted to it...almost a way of life.
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Adnan_le_Terrible
* Dog in the Sand *
France
1973 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 11:28:38
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I don't want to be chauvinistic or anything, but French food is definitely the best in the world. I like eating Mexican, Italian or Austrian (yes, that's right) food once in a while, but French food is more balanced and has more diversity than any other.
I grew up in a region famous for good food (le Gers, for those who know it) and I just got addicted to it...almost a way of life.
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Carolynanna
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Canada
6556 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 11:31:46
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| So you don't want to come over for fried bologna night Adnan? ;) |
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El Barto
= Song DB Master =
USA
4020 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 20:33:01
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I love Mexican food...GOOD, AUTHENTIC Mexican food. I guess that'll be difficult to find once I leave the US. Mexican food done right is fucking excellent. I was very upset when I went back to my old place to visit my friends, we went out to eat at this kick ass authentic Mexican restaurant and it was shut down...so we went to the newer local one and it wasn't nearly as good. Apparently Brighton has a Mexican restaurant called El Mexicano and some new, cheap restaurant Mel told me about...I'd love to compare.
Also a big fan of Italian, Thai, and Chinese.
"Join the Cult of Brit / And let your oral hygiene go out the window." |
Edited by - El Barto on 04/05/2004 20:33:35 |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2004 : 22:04:14
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Italian food is better than French and Spanish put together. but Mexican is better than all.
when i first went to Europe when i was 20 i had the same misconception El Barto had.. i thought Spanish food was going to be like Mexican food, and couldn't wait to sample some. i was sorely mistaken. overall Spanish food is bland and un-noteworthy. though they do make up for it with tapas and cider.
you haven't had good Mexican food till you've been to Southern California. or Mexico. same difference.
i'm obsessed Mexican food. i'm obsessed with all food, but especially Mexican food. i seriously want to write a restaurant guide for LA.. i'm still in the research phase.
i was dying when i was on the East Coast last year for 4 months. they just don't quite get it. |
Edited by - floop on 04/05/2004 22:14:15 |
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vilainde
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Niue
7443 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 01:46:43
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I'm French and married to a Mexican girl... So I'd say my favorite food is the one cooked at my place :)
Seriously, I couldn't say which is best between French and Mex food. French is healthier and has more diversity indeed, but after 3 years spent in France I'm dying to eat a good gordita de chicharron. I seriously miss the days when I would go out of the office at lunch time and have a couple of tacos "al pastor" for a ridiculously low price. French sandwiches aren't nearly as good as Mexican tortas. Fortunately we're going in June for a 4-weeks vacation in Mexico and we're gonna eat everything we've been dreaming of these 3 years...
Adnan, I don't know if you've ever been to Mexico, but I can assure you that the Mexican food you'll be served in France has nothing to do with the real thing. I know one restaurant in Paris that offers good food ("A La Mexicaine") but it's still not it. All the so-called "Tex-Mex" places suck.
Jim, I imagine England should have good Mex restaurants, they usually have great international food there. Not sure though.
Denis
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Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2674 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 04:55:48
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I remember visiting lots of great Thai places in London.
--
"You one of those right-wing nut outfits?" inquired the diplomatic Metzger.
Fallopian twinkled. "They accuse us of being paranoids."
"They?" inquired Metzger, twinkling also.
"Us?" asked Oedipa.
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Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2674 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 04:58:38
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This post is making me hungry. I´m going to make pancakes.
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"You one of those right-wing nut outfits?" inquired the diplomatic Metzger.
Fallopian twinkled. "They accuse us of being paranoids."
"They?" inquired Metzger, twinkling also.
"Us?" asked Oedipa.
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edwina
- FB Fan -
United Kingdom
179 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 05:43:35
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I am actually not sure Spanish food is that bad... ok, maybe a bit too much on the fat side, but I've tried several kind of tapas when I went to Spain and none of them disappointed. As for French food, it's true that the baguette, the pan of chocolat or the quiche lorraine are great inventions, but a lot of the specialities seem to be drowning in greasy sauces- unless I have eaten it in the wrong places.
Being an Italian I'd say we have a pretty good variety, but I wouldn't dare saying it's the best in the world... I'll leave that to the others ;) |
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vilainde
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Niue
7443 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 06:01:45
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I'll never thank the Italian enough for bringing us the tiramisu (it's italian, right?). My main problem with the italian food is that restaurants over there are awfully expensive. Well maybe I didn't go to the right places but I had this feeling.
Denis
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edwina
- FB Fan -
United Kingdom
179 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 06:05:58
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Tiramisu' is Italian, indeed...
I think it's true that Italian restaurants are not cheap, especially after the introduction of the Euro, but in the trattorias you can normally still eat typical Italian food, overall less pretentious and more genuine than in restaurants, for very good prices. |
Edited by - edwina on 04/06/2004 06:33:33 |
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Scarla O
= Cult of Ray =
United Kingdom
947 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 06:29:28
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Focaccia al formaggio...
Mmmmmm.
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offerw
* Dog in the Sand *
South Africa
1264 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 09:41:23
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I've heard Melbourne, Australia is currently one of the greatest cities to be in if you're looking for seriously good food. I've a friend who lives there and every week-end she sends me e-mails detailing yet another night of gastronomic heaven. The Aussies are becoming masters at tinkering with the traditional European ways of cooking and fusing it with Asian influences.
Anyone familiar with African cooking? Probably Moroccan. Down here we've some fairly nice traditional African dishes, lots of maize based dishes and of course venison.
wilhelm |
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apl4eris
~ Abstract Brain ~
USA
4800 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 09:47:12
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The Mexican food in England (at least the places I've been to and heard about) absolutely sucks. England does a lot of other cuisines very well, because of the huge immigrant population -especially Indian and Thai. Not many Mexicans cross the border to England.
Mexican food is not as healthy IF you are talking about the bastardized version of the cuisine. True Mexican (native) actually isn't the same kind of spicy, nor does it use as much cheese, and they don't use sour cream. Lots of beans and whole corn, peppers and cactus. I kinda wonder sometimes what the hell they ate as a cereal crop before corn was around. I personally like the spicier incarnation, and I prefer the bastardized Europeanized cheese additions to the Chihuahua cheese they use.
It's weird that French cuisine, being so good, has not been adopted as readily as many other international cuisines in the US. Could it just be a matter of French people not wanting to live here?
If it is a Miracle, any sort of evidence will answer, but if it is a Fact, proof is necessary. -Samuel Clemens |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 09:50:42
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Yeah the Aussies know their food. And wine.
I am so happy that so man yof you like Mexican food. It never seems to be at the top of people's list that I speak to. I just love the stuff. It was actually in Australia where I fell in love with it though.
I would really like to try it in Mexico.
Oh and Tiramisu is indeed delicious!!! So light, it's great after a heavy pasta dish.
Hansel and Gretel have formed a band, .....And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Breadcrumbs!!! |
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Cheeseman1000
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Iceland
8201 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 09:53:28
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Who'd blame them? heh heh.
Indian food in London is the finest you'll find outside of India, I guess. Every street has a curry house, and its all good. Just to add to the discussion, in many cases its hugely bad for you, which is always good.
Anyone here actually appreciate English food? As in, those not from England I mean. Roast lamb/beef, fish and chips, full English breakfast, that is some gooood eating.
"Join The Cult Of Wormy Cheese Man/In Ten Words Or Less" |
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Carolynanna
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Canada
6556 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 09:56:04
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mmmmm, yorkshire pudding.
Indian food is bad for you, how so? |
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apl4eris
~ Abstract Brain ~
USA
4800 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 09:56:22
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quote:
Originally posted by offerw
I've heard Melbourne, Australia is currently one of the greatest cities to be in if you're looking for seriously good food. I've a friend who lives there and every week-end she sends me e-mails detailing yet another night of gastronomic heaven. The Aussies are becoming masters at tinkering with the traditional European ways of cooking and fusing it with Asian influences.
Anyone familiar with African cooking? Probably Moroccan. Down here we've some fairly nice traditional African dishes, lots of maize based dishes and of course venison.
I'm not familiar with many African foods at all. We have a few Moroccan restaurants here that we want to try, and we went to an Ethiopian restaurant a couple weeks ago. My husband loved it, but it was very meat-based, and extremely greasy. The chicken dish that I got had tons of fat and gristle, and it was just overall way too greasy for me. I won't make a judgement based on one meal from one restaurant though. I should say the spice/flavor levels in the dishes (especially the beef dish he got) were fantastic, and I love spiced Ethiopian coffee.
The presentation is really cool, very communal and casual, meant for sharing -they put a giant flat piece of their unique bread on a large platter, and place the food in small piles -you break bread and scoop up the meat or whatever, along with something pickled -maybe peppers? that is very tasty. I imagine I'll give the place another try someday -though man, it sure is a hole-in-the wall dive. Might have added to the loss of appetite.
If it is a Miracle, any sort of evidence will answer, but if it is a Fact, proof is necessary. -Samuel Clemens |
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Cheeseman1000
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Iceland
8201 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 10:25:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Carolynanna
mmmmm, yorkshire pudding.
Indian food is bad for you, how so?
Oh yeah, you've gotta have the yorkshires, and tons of roast potatoes, mint sauce, mmm.
Before I start, I'll make the proviso that I know Tikka Masala isn't a real Indian dish, but you know what I mean. A lot of Indian food has several vats of double cream in, especially the aforementioned Tikka Masala, and Korma as well. There's quite a lot of oil/fat going into many sauces as well. However, there is a lot of comparatively healthy ones: the ones with lentils are quite healthy, and tandoori isn't too bad. It has to be said, its all good.
There's a South African restaurant near me, Wilhelm. What would I expect to be served there? I'm keen to try out some ZA food while I'm over, and I'm also told that there's some really good Indian cuisine in Durbs... Anything else you can recommend? I'm heading through Swaziland and the Drakensberg mtns, anything good here?
"Join The Cult Of Wormy Cheese Man/In Ten Words Or Less" |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 10:47:01
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quote:
Originally posted by apl4eris
I prefer the bastardized Europeanized cheese additions to the Chihuahua cheese they use.
If it is a Miracle, any sort of evidence will answer, but if it is a Fact, proof is necessary. -Samuel Clemens
My god!!! They milk dogs now!?!?!?
Hansel and Gretel have formed a band, .....And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Breadcrumbs!!! |
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jediroller
* Dog in the Sand *
France
1718 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 10:50:55
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Ahh... South African food. I'd give up my soul for chicken Sosatie right now. Sweet braai memories come back to me... boerewors...
And bobotie!
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Everything I say to you is gonna come out wrong anyway |
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apl4eris
~ Abstract Brain ~
USA
4800 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2004 : 10:54:13
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Whoa. I not even sure if it's made from their milk, now that you mention it.
If it is a Miracle, any sort of evidence will answer, but if it is a Fact, proof is necessary. -Samuel Clemens |
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Spance-Frain
