Same, Different #9

Ken and I went out to dinner last night at one of the three local Chinese restaurants.  We had the opportunity to eat some Japanese food (sushi) while in the Adelaide area. And I ate at a Thai restaurant here for a birthday dinner a few months ago. I enjoy many different Asian foods.

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to probably thousands of Chinese restaurants, and is home to many, many immigrants from China, Japan, and Vietnam... to name just a few Asian countries. So I have plenty of data points for comparison.

1) The Chinese menus read very much the same in terms of the items listed -- spring rolls, soups, cashew chicken, you name it and if it's one of the standards you'll see it here -- but as with many things in Australia, the prices are much higher. I believe the least expensive plate on the menu (rice priced separately) was $17AU. With the exchange rate at $.90, it's still pretty high compared to what we're used to.

2) The biggest difference in the Chinese restaurants is that we have not received fortune cookies for dessert. Very disappointing!

3) The Chinese restaurant seemed to be owned and run by a Vietnamese family. I would be pretty surprised to find this in the States. There, there are plenty of both and plenty of demand for both, so I think most Chinese-Americans would stick with Chinese and Vietnamese-Americans would stick with Vietnamese food if they were going to open a restaurant.

4) Also, the sushi place we ate at was owned by a Chinese couple. The husband, who prepared all the sushi himself, said he learned how to make sushi at a Japanese restaurant at which he had worked. In Australia, I presume... although not having been to China, I can't be sure. Maybe Japanese restaurants are common there... does anyone know?

5) As has been the case at all restaurants in Australia in which we've eaten, what we would call Appetizers are called Entrees. And what we would call Entrees are called Mains. And again, as at all restaurants here, you pretty much have to ask for the check or you'll sit at the table until closing. So far I haven't seen a situation where they appear to be trying to maximize the "turns" by rushing you out.

6) There is one place here in Alice to get sushi, only during lunchtime, and the selection is very very small. I'm pleased to report they do serve California roll, only instead of selling pieces about one inch wide, they sell a roll that is about 5 inches long. Reasonably priced and quite tasty. I'm pretty sure it was artificial crab, but sadly, that's become widespread even in California.

We eat well, mainly due to Ken's great menu planning, grocery shopping and cooking, but enjoy the occasional meal out. Food management, as I call it, is something he enjoys doing and I enjoy not doing! In fact, he is at the grocery store as I write this. Yes, I am spoiled and I love it.


Bon appetit!