coopa_troopa

Why is it I've never seen an American eat with a knife and fork?

I first noticed this when I went on one of those 4 day cruises, everybody on board was American (except us of course) and so we dined all day every day in their company.

Since then it's become a bit of an obsession (yeh I know, sad or what?) but every time I eat out, I find myself looking to see if anyone uses a knife and fork.

Dunno about anyone else, but to me it doesn't look nice, even sweet little old ladies 'stabbing' at their food and struggling to get it on the fork.

So what's the deal?

mayhemuk

No idea. It's funny that since I got married my wife and MIL often adopt 'our' way though not always.
And I sometimes find myself checking who's doing what if we're out to dinner.

I'll ask later why they think they do it that way.

ugacrew

I might be the odd ball but I use the knife and fork method. I've tried teaching my sister how to use it but she's a bit stubborn. I used to do the American thing...well because I'm an American. However I find the knife and fork method much more efficient. Especially when eating steak. I don't understand why people do the cross-over, put down, and then eat. So much effort when less can be used.

geeandtee

I actually once received a lecture from American friend on the proper way to hold a knife and fork!!!!!
I told him he had a ******* nerve and I'd eat any damn way I wanted to.:curse:

Thydney

I know what you mean but I think it's just American etiquette. I keep meaning to see what the president does at official dinners. I would imagine dubya uses a trough

geeandtee

Dan725

It is a very strange phenomonen. Far too much fannying around for my liking. But in all fairness, I'd say its only about 50% of born'n'bred Americans I know who do the cross over thing.

scrubbedexpat097

Does it really matter? You do it your way because that's the way it has always been in the UK and they do it their way because that's how they have always done it.

What about Asian people using chop-sticks then, does that fascinate you as well? Does that not look nice either.............sheesh....

Thydney

Actually it fascinates me bloody things give me cramp

ugacrew

It's because you've developed a kung-fu grip. How, I dunno.

britex01

It amuses me when in the States how folk sorta glue their attention on me when I eat with a knife and fork in public nosh houses. When my TX OH first visited the UK she tried to adapt to knife and fork.

Old habits die hard though... She still eats the American way. Maybe this eating method stems from the old Wild West days, when out on the trail...

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snowbunny

The trend to fast foods and more "finger foods" means that a knife is needed less often than in the past, and sometimes, one is not provided, forcing the eater to use the side of the fork as a crude knife.

Only when my eldest was a few years old did I realise I hadn't taught her how to properly cut up meat. Her diet is very limited and there's not much you have to use a knife for. So I made a real effort to teach my youngest, who likes barbecued brisket, how to eat the old-fashioned way.

Toon eats sandwiches and french fries/chips with his knife and fork with Dutch precision and a hollow leg. He rarely needs a napkin unlike the rest of us who usually have one finger food.

ugacrew

Come on gorgeous. That's not the only reason why their eyes are glued to you.

RoadWarriorFromLP

This is an example of Bush the Elder enjoying his sushi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnOnDatqENo

(No, this is not a diplomatic training video.)

I have learned to eat American-style (fork in right hand), Euro-style (fork in left hand), with chopsticks, and even with my hands, but I've never quite understood the point of using my knife to mash my food into the back of my fork. Eating peas really shouldn't have to pose such a challenge.

britex01

Why, is my zip down? ...

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