abcnovels
Chapter 165: [American Dining Etiquette]
Chapter 165: [American Dining Etiquette]
Chapter 165: [American Dining Etiquette]
<<If you're in America, you start with this, right?>>
<<Oh!>>
I was at a restaurant with Angu Ogu, who was guiding me.
In front of us, the food was placed with a bang.
<<For tonight's dinner, it's this burger!>>
<<Actually, I thought those donuts were for lunch.>>
Well, it was getting close to evening.
As sweet as the donuts were almost giving me a heart attack.
They weren't enough.
I was hungry too.
<<That's not the case though. In reality, in Japan, we eat a big lunch, but in America, we often have a light meal for lunch.>>
<<Honestly, I always thought Americans ate a lot every time. But this looks really delicious.>>
<<Haha, it's amazing, isn't it?>>
On the plate was a classic American-style burger with French fries. However, the burger was unusually large.
<<Then, ‘Itadakimasu'.>>
<<Haha, ‘Itadakimasu'. I've started saying that before meals too.>>
I took a big bite of the massive burger.
However, it didn't fit in my mouth.
<<That's not it, Iroha. You have to squish it more. That's the American style.>>
I said, >>I see,>> and imitated Angu Ogu, taking a big bite.
Honestly…
<<It's incredibly delicious!>>
<<Right? Oh, it's so good! This is what I missed. Japanese burgers are unique and refined, which isn't bad. But burgers should be like this!>>
Between the buns were a patty, of onion slices, crispy bacon, cheese, and sauce.
Among them, the juiciness of the patty was on a different level than what I was used to in Japan.
<<Hehe, burgers eaten with Iroha are exceptional!>>
<<Sure, sure.>>
It was probably just a formality.
I brushed off Angu Ogu's compliment.
She continued eating happily with a big smile on her face.
Maybe she had also been longing for the taste of her homeland.
Without a doubt, she was enjoying this meal more than I was.
<<When Iroha was in America before. Because of that situation, we couldn't eat out at all. So, I really wanted you to eat here the next time.>>
<<Indeed, back then, we weren't in a situation to enjoy meals.>>
As I said this, I washed down the oil in my mouth with a carbonated drink. Even I could tell this was the best moment.
But seriously, this paper cup… isn't it bigger than the burger!?
It doesn't seem to be getting any emptier.
Could it have a liter in it or something?
<<Huh? If you need more drink, it's all you can drink, you know.>>
<<It's more than enough!>>
Angu Ogu pointed to a corner that looked like a drink bar, and I retorted. It was nice that it was all you can drink by default, but…
<<Just so you know, it's not like a ‘drink bar' in Japan, okay?>>
<<Huh? It's different?>>
<<Yeah. It's just ‘refills' that are free. So, mixing different kinds of drinks is considered bad manners.>>
<<I see.>>
If it's all-you-can-drink, it shouldn't make a big difference, but it's probably a cultural difference.
With those thoughts in mind, I glanced around the restaurant.
That's when my eyes met with the middle-aged lady who had seated us. She was approaching us.
Huh? What's going on?
<<How are you, dear? Are you enjoying your meal?>>
<<Yes.>>
<<It's super delicious! The burgers here are the best!>>
<<Definitely! That's great to hear! By the way, have you tried the shakes at this place? They're my favorite.>>
The cheerful lady struck up a conversation and continued chatting for a while before leaving.
<<She's so lively.>>
<<Yeah? In Japan, waitstaff usually doesn't initiate a conversation unless you call them.>>
I wondered if this difference in approach was due to cultural tendencies or perhaps influenced by the tipping culture.
In any case, it is not uncommon.
The secret service people at the table next to us also continue to eat normally.
Or maybe they are just good at not showing caution.
By the way, it was thanks to them that I was able to come to this restaurant.
I feel bad that I used them as my assistants.
In this place just a little bit far from downtown, a car is necessary to go anywhere.
Since Angu Ogu didn't have a driver's license. Without them, we would have been in trouble.
<<But seriously, Iroha, what's wrong? You've been looking around, and your eating has stopped.>>
<<Well, since we're here, maybe I'll try different flavors.>>
I replied with a wry smile.
The burger itself was large, and there were plenty of French fries.
I was getting quite full.
<<You're not already full, are you!? You're still growing. I mean, never mind.>>
<<Hey, why did you stop yourself?>>
<<I, um, have some compassion.>>
<<This guy…>>
Well, indeed, my current body doesn't eat as much as an adult man from my previous life.
I sighed and reached out to grab the sauce placed on the side of the table.
<<Wait a minute, Iroha! That's, it's bad manners!>>
<<Huh!?>>
Angu Ogu pointed out with a sharp voice.
What I did was considered bad manners. What on earth did I do wrong?