OMG we've become so Americanized
#1
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Am back for a trip in the UK and must have been indoctrinated into the plastic, bouffant TV presenters of the US as everyone I'm watching on UK TV looks really scruffy! I've figured out it's down to their hair - it's obviously just not as primped and cardboard as the US presenters I now watch so it appears messy to me. Ben Shepherd on GMTV looks like he's just stepped out the shower!!!!
The other thing we've found really funny is our impatience in restaurants. We're so used to the quick service in the US - which we used to moan about when we first went there as more often than not they ask you if you want desert whilst you're still eating your main course, and they give you the check before you've finished etc - and now we're doing the reverse!!
Ho hum - inevitable changing viewpoints I guess.
The other thing we've found really funny is our impatience in restaurants. We're so used to the quick service in the US - which we used to moan about when we first went there as more often than not they ask you if you want desert whilst you're still eating your main course, and they give you the check before you've finished etc - and now we're doing the reverse!!
Ho hum - inevitable changing viewpoints I guess.
![ukintexas is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#2
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Am back for a trip in the UK and must have been indoctrinated into the plastic, bouffant TV presenters of the US as everyone I'm watching on UK TV looks really scruffy! I've figured out it's down to their hair - it's obviously just not as primped and cardboard as the US presenters I now watch so it appears messy to me. Ben Shepherd on GMTV looks like he's just stepped out the shower!!!!
The other thing we've found really funny is our impatience in restaurants. We're so used to the quick service in the US - which we used to moan about when we first went there as more often than not they ask you if you want desert whilst you're still eating your main course, and they give you the check before you've finished etc - and now we're doing the reverse!!
Ho hum - inevitable changing viewpoints I guess.
The other thing we've found really funny is our impatience in restaurants. We're so used to the quick service in the US - which we used to moan about when we first went there as more often than not they ask you if you want desert whilst you're still eating your main course, and they give you the check before you've finished etc - and now we're doing the reverse!!
Ho hum - inevitable changing viewpoints I guess.
Tut!
You'll be driving on the right-side of the road next!
Jim.
![Scouse Express is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#3
BE Forum Addict
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Temecula, CA
Posts: 4,759
![GeoffM has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![GeoffM has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![GeoffM has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![GeoffM has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![GeoffM has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![GeoffM has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![GeoffM has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![GeoffM has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![GeoffM has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![GeoffM has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![GeoffM has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I always assumed the delay in the UK was the hope that you'd order more drinks... but OTOH more than once I've threatened to leave without paying if they didn't finish handling the bill/check right away because I was so fed up waiting! Funny how the service speeds up suddenly when you have your coat on and most of the party are gone or going.
I also assumed that getting the bill/check very quickly meant they wanted you to leave pronto so they could get more punters in.
Maybe I'm just cynical.
I also assumed that getting the bill/check very quickly meant they wanted you to leave pronto so they could get more punters in.
Maybe I'm just cynical.
![Unsure](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/smilies/unsure.gif)
![GeoffM is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#4
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I always assumed the delay in the UK was the hope that you'd order more drinks... but OTOH more than once I've threatened to leave without paying if they didn't finish handling the bill/check right away because I was so fed up waiting! Funny how the service speeds up suddenly when you have your coat on and most of the party are gone or going.
I also assumed that getting the bill/check very quickly meant they wanted you to leave pronto so they could get more punters in.
Maybe I'm just cynical.![Unsure](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/smilies/unsure.gif)
I also assumed that getting the bill/check very quickly meant they wanted you to leave pronto so they could get more punters in.
Maybe I'm just cynical.
![Unsure](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/smilies/unsure.gif)
![Wink](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif)
I love the way you're treated in many European restaurants where they assume that you'll be camping out for the entire evening, as many people actually do. The UK seems to be - as it is in so many other ways - a kind of half-way house between the EU and US style of doing things. After 5 years I still can't get used to the fact that Mrs tonrob and I can go out for a restaurant meal and be sat back on the sofa an hour later...
![tonrob is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#5
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Maybe you are! ![Wink](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif)
I love the way you're treated in many European restaurants where they assume that you'll be camping out for the entire evening, as many people actually do. The UK seems to be - as it is in so many other ways - a kind of half-way house between the EU and US style of doing things. After 5 years I still can't get used to the fact that Mrs tonrob and I can go out for a restaurant meal and be sat back on the sofa an hour later...
![Wink](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif)
I love the way you're treated in many European restaurants where they assume that you'll be camping out for the entire evening, as many people actually do. The UK seems to be - as it is in so many other ways - a kind of half-way house between the EU and US style of doing things. After 5 years I still can't get used to the fact that Mrs tonrob and I can go out for a restaurant meal and be sat back on the sofa an hour later...
my thoughts exactly.
if a restaurant brings me my entree while I'm still only halfway through the appetizer I tell them to bring it back when I am ready for it.
![Manc is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#6
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I always assumed the delay in the UK was the hope that you'd order more drinks... but OTOH more than once I've threatened to leave without paying if they didn't finish handling the bill/check right away because I was so fed up waiting! Funny how the service speeds up suddenly when you have your coat on and most of the party are gone or going.
I also assumed that getting the bill/check very quickly meant they wanted you to leave pronto so they could get more punters in.
Maybe I'm just cynical.![Unsure](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/smilies/unsure.gif)
I also assumed that getting the bill/check very quickly meant they wanted you to leave pronto so they could get more punters in.
Maybe I'm just cynical.
![Unsure](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/smilies/unsure.gif)
![Leslie is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#7
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Better to not even order the entree until you have your appetizer ... otherwise your meal will just sit under a heat lamp for 20-30 mins.
![Leslie is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#11
Lost in BE Cyberspace
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: North Charleston,SC. born in Stockport,UK.
Posts: 10,109
![Englishtart has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Englishtart has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Englishtart has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Englishtart has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Englishtart has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Englishtart has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Englishtart has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Englishtart has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Englishtart has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Englishtart has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Englishtart has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Englishtart is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#12
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Maybe the English think it's impolite to tell the server how they want things paced as far as their meal goes? I go out with a friend a lot and (depending on our mood) we'll let the server know how it's going to go down and I believe they appreciate it.
"We're going to have few drinks before we order."
or
"We'll have an appetizer while we're deciding what we want."
or
"Do you mind clearing these plates? But we're not ready for the check yet."
"We're going to have few drinks before we order."
or
"We'll have an appetizer while we're deciding what we want."
or
"Do you mind clearing these plates? But we're not ready for the check yet."
Last edited by Leslie; Jul 20th 2010 at 3:24 am.
![Leslie is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#13
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm starting to worry just a bit too.
I'm beginning to think that all the dark furniture actually looks OK after all, my husband now thinks trucks are "quite nice and a good idea". I don't bat an eyelid at shingle roof tiles (which I used to think made the houses look like posh sheds) and finally, that sheets and comforters are a damn good combination.
I'm beginning to think that all the dark furniture actually looks OK after all, my husband now thinks trucks are "quite nice and a good idea". I don't bat an eyelid at shingle roof tiles (which I used to think made the houses look like posh sheds) and finally, that sheets and comforters are a damn good combination.
![ann m is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#14
Forum Regular
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Belleville, Michigan
Posts: 80
![jimandtina2008 will become famous soon enough](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm starting to worry just a bit too.
I'm beginning to think that all the dark furniture actually looks OK after all, my husband now thinks trucks are "quite nice and a good idea". I don't bat an eyelid at shingle roof tiles (which I used to think made the houses look like posh sheds) and finally, that sheets and comforters are a damn good combination.
I'm beginning to think that all the dark furniture actually looks OK after all, my husband now thinks trucks are "quite nice and a good idea". I don't bat an eyelid at shingle roof tiles (which I used to think made the houses look like posh sheds) and finally, that sheets and comforters are a damn good combination.
![Unsure](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/smilies/unsure.gif)
![jimandtina2008 is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#15
Last orders please...
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Way down deep in the middle of the Jungle..
Posts: 6,154
![lisag8070 has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![lisag8070 has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![lisag8070 has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![lisag8070 has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![lisag8070 has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![lisag8070 has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![lisag8070 has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![lisag8070 has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![lisag8070 has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![lisag8070 has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![lisag8070 has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Am back for a trip in the UK and must have been indoctrinated into the plastic, bouffant TV presenters of the US as everyone I'm watching on UK TV looks really scruffy! I've figured out it's down to their hair - it's obviously just not as primped and cardboard as the US presenters I now watch so it appears messy to me. Ben Shepherd on GMTV looks like he's just stepped out the shower!!!!
The other thing we've found really funny is our impatience in restaurants. We're so used to the quick service in the US - which we used to moan about when we first went there as more often than not they ask you if you want desert whilst you're still eating your main course, and they give you the check before you've finished etc - and now we're doing the reverse!!
Ho hum - inevitable changing viewpoints I guess.
The other thing we've found really funny is our impatience in restaurants. We're so used to the quick service in the US - which we used to moan about when we first went there as more often than not they ask you if you want desert whilst you're still eating your main course, and they give you the check before you've finished etc - and now we're doing the reverse!!
Ho hum - inevitable changing viewpoints I guess.
![LOL](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/smilies/lol.gif)
The one thing I found whilst eating in the US..is exactly like you say rush rush rush...until you ask for the check...then they'll leave you sat there for what feel like ages until you have to remind them again...(I'm sure they're hoping that you'll just throw the money down on the table and leave without expecting any change)..
![lisag8070 is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)