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Feb 16
2009
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Culture 101 - #2 EatingPosted by: Jeffrey Andrews on Feb 16, 2009   |
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Americans are definitely known for their eating with all the grand buffets and all you can eat joints. It seems that restaurants are making their portion sizes bigger every year. I heard of one Spaniard who said he wanted to take a trip to the States just so he could experience the All You Can Eat restaurants!
However, if you like to eat, Spain is no let down either.In America, we are use to our normal 3 meal per day agenda (breakfast, lunch and dinner), however, the Spaniard is accustomed to eating 5 times a day. Here is a typical schedule of eating here in Spain:
In my observation, the people eat “healthy” portions. However, it is hard to tell because on average, the Spaniards aren’t obese type people. I guess all the walking they do helps keep the pounds off. Maybe a good lesson for us Gringos! ☺
However, if you like to eat, Spain is no let down either.In America, we are use to our normal 3 meal per day agenda (breakfast, lunch and dinner), however, the Spaniard is accustomed to eating 5 times a day. Here is a typical schedule of eating here in Spain:
- Breakfast – A normal breakfast would consist of some type of bread or cookie and either juice or coffee. Something quick and light.
- Merienda (or Snack) - depending on the person this could be some king of snack cake and beverage, a small sandwich and beverage, or some appetizer like plates.
- Lunch – Lunchtime normally begins around 2pm. In a typical restaurant, you will find some sort of “menu” that
you can choose from. They normally have 4 or 5 selections of different plates to make your choice. A menu normally consists of a first plate, second plate, desert and drink. Depending on the restaurant, the portions are normally nice sizes and more then enough food to eat. The first plate (primero) ranges from soups and salads to stews and rice dishes such as paella and pastas. The second plate (segundo) is the main course. This can range from chicken or fish to lamb and beef. There is usually a sufficient selection to meet the taste buds of almost anyone. Then for dessert, you can usually choose between ice cream, flan, cake or some kind of pudding. The drink is included and all this makes for a fine meal for around 9 or 10 Euros during the week and 11 to 15 euros on the weekend.
- Merienda ( or Snack) – once again, a little snack, sandwich, or some kind of appetizer like dish.
- Dinner – Normally 8:30pm or later. Many restaurants don’t even open back up until 8:30pm. We have seen dinner range from a variety of hors d’oeuvre type foods to a full 3 or 4 course meal.
In my observation, the people eat “healthy” portions. However, it is hard to tell because on average, the Spaniards aren’t obese type people. I guess all the walking they do helps keep the pounds off. Maybe a good lesson for us Gringos! ☺
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