E-Journal 5: Food & Table Manners (Updated)

 There isn't an international etiquette because we look at our own culture as the norm.  The chapter discusses how Spaniards don't eat until 2p.m.  A mistake that I have admittedly made is assuming that places had open seating despite  having a reservation only culture. As an American I assumed that everyone will let in more people if they have enough room. "It's just a suggestion" It wasn't a suggestion. 

 I would let them know of our different eating schedules. For example, restaurants do not close until midnight in Spain and Portugal , sometimes until they are out of food. Unless you are a whole in the wall business then they might close at 8. But I would left them know that most places close at 9pm and 10 pm in the U.S. Fast food is the only resort if they want to eat that late. There's also a sense of rushing. Hearing "Are you ready for your check or Do you need anything else?" Might sound pushy to them because they like to take their time.  Lunch is to relax and enjoy , even in the most populated parts like Lisbon people will enjoy their meal and not be rushed.  A  waiter could easily come off as pushy.

 in Japan,  Food isn't meant to indulge but to only satisfy you and refresh you for the day.  You don't live to eat. You eat to live. Miso Soup is served for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and during any snack time.  The style of miso varies with the region. 

 I thinkk I would start with Falculty & Staff members or people who are  in their sixies or seventies. They have so much knowledge and experience; it's always the right move to speak to the oldest person in the room.  Especially in social circles.

 The French believe less is more and love to savor their food.  Elaborate small plates is a lot more classy and upscale then three big meals.  Because you're not supposed to eat until you're stuffed.  You're not supposed to live to eat. Eat to live is more important when it comes to rules of consumption.  à l’oignon  is actually a dish I've been prepping to make this week for lunch. Onion soup is considered a peasant meal or poor man's meal in France because it's affordable yet so delicious. There's also street food like crepes, chouquettes, and other snacks you can get throughout the day. Snacks  are a big deal in France but never overindulge. I think that the most affordable choices are hole in the wall restaurants where you can get a crepe for 2 euros because French cuisine is expensive and I've been looking up what university students eat and cook for themselves to survie in France.