Americans generally eat a salad before their main course. Fried mushrooms and onion rings can serve as appetizers, while steak, pork chops, and chicken (legs) are the main courses. Lobster, shellfish, and various types of fish, including freshwater fish, are collectively referred to as seafood. French fries are very popular and have almost become an essential food. Additionally, it is particularly important to note that if there are leftovers, you should definitely take them home to avoid waste.
Americans use both knife and fork while eating, and their dining etiquette is quite particular. Therefore, when invited to dine with American friends, special attention should be paid to their dining habits. Generally, there is a knife and two forks on the table; the outer fork is for salad, the inner fork is for the main course and other snacks, and the knife is used for cutting meat. If you are using both hands, hold the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right hand, and do not hold the knife for too long at a time.
Typical American breakfasts include scrambled or boiled eggs, sausage, fried potato slices, pancakes, jelly, toast, muffins, orange juice, and coffee.
If you are dining in an American restaurant for the first time, you should pay attention to the following points:
1. Choose the right type of restaurant (e.g., family-style, specialty, or buffet restaurants);
2. Restaurant operating hours (generally open from 11:30 AM until night);
3. It is usually advisable to make a reservation in advance;
4. Upon arriving at the restaurant, do not go directly to the table unless there is a "seat yourself" sign;
5. When paying, do not forget to leave a tip for the server (generally 10% to 15% of the total amount).
With the fast pace of American life, fast food has emerged. Fast food chains are found all over the world, with McDonald's being the most influential. The fast food offered includes hamburgers, roast beef, steak, ham, sandwiches, fried chicken, fried potato chips, baked pies, ice cream, and various carbonated beverages. At McDonald's, remember to clean up your own trash after eating and place your tray in the trash bin, or you may receive disapproving looks!