Restaurant Experience

You may not go to an Italian, Chinese, Mexican restaurant or restaurant of your own culture.  Prepare for this experience by doing some reading in textbook about the culture which you will be experiencing.  Use the information from the book to support or refute your experience. Time: You may choose to go to Lunch or Dinner (OR SELECT AN ENTRÉE ITEM AND PREPARE THE MEAL AT HOME!!) Describe your experience answering the following questions. 1.     Describe the décor. (Does it have an ethnic theme? Does the décor reflect something significant about the culture as noted in Purnell’s domains?) (If choosing to prepare the meal at home, describe what you would expect the décor to look like in an authentic restaurant of cultural choice)   2.     Are the wait staff dressed in authentic clothing?  What is the significance of certain types of dress? (If choosing to prepare the meal at home, describe what you would expect the staff to where/to look like in an authentic restaurant of cultural choice)   3.     Attempt to pronounce what you are ordering. Does the wait staff assist you with ordering your meal? Do they help you pronounce the dishes? (If choosing to prepare the meal at home, describe how you would learn to pronounce menu items from an authentic restaurant of cultural choice)   4.     Describe what you ate. Are there certain spices, meats, starches, fruits and vegetables used in the dishes?  What beverages are served?  Would your meal be considered healthy? If not, why? (If choosing to prepare the meal at home, describe the preparation, recipe, etc. of the menu item chosen from cultural choice)   5.     Ask to meet the chef.  Inquire about cooking techniques used in preparing your meal?  Are these health-promoting?  If not, why? (If choosing to prepare the meal at home, describe who helped you with the cooking experience, reactions to menu item of anyone who enjoyed with you, and your opinion of the meal)   6.     Did you enjoy the experience? Why? What role does food play in this particular culture?  (To be answered whether dining in or cooking from home)