American Embarrasment

[rafiki fan]

Are any other Americans embarrassed that the best food choices we can put forth for our Epcot pavilion is counter service consisting of basically fast food? We have such a wide range of good dishes that are truly American. A restaurant that offers regional favorites would be a welcome treat. Another table service at Epcot is needed and what better way to show our national pride than with a sit-down restaurant serving such dishes as East coast seafood dishes, Midwest beef, Southern pork and West coast fruits and vegetables? Any comments?

[Natazu]

They have a fruit cup... but I think it's fried.

[bertasso59]

I have thought the same thing for a long time. As the host nation,we should be putting our best foot foreward for the rest of the visiting countries.We need to showcase Southern cooking,Cajun,Northeast seafood,Calif.cuisine,etc.

[ILoveLegos]

I guess you have never been to EPCOT with non-adventurous eaters. When I went there with several groups of them they literally insisted on hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken nuggets and french fries. EPCOT aims to have a little bit of everything to please every discerning & undiscerning palate. I've never seen the American eatery empty - somebody must like it.

[ElenitaB]

They have a fruit cup... but I think it's fried.

No, it's Dole fruit cocktail.

If people want standard burgers/fries, they could go to the Electric Umbrella. I'd love to see Liberty Inn serve a menu representative of our country's different cuisines.

[mrsgaribaldi]

No, it's Dole fruit cocktail.

If people want standard burgers/fries, they could go to the Electric Umbrella. I'd love to see Liberty Inn serve a menu representative of our country's different cuisines.

Same here. I would love to try foods from other areas since I only go to Disney World

[tinksmom02]

I guess you have never been to EPCOT with non-adventurous eaters. When I went there with several groups of them they literally insisted on hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken nuggets and french fries. EPCOT aims to have a little bit of everything to please every discerning & undiscerning palate. I've never seen the American eatery empty - somebody must like it.

You must have traveled with the family we were with two weeks ago LOL The dad's best meal was a cheeseburger anywhere. Matter of fact, they're considering returning to WDW next year, and i'm trying to steer them towards the QS dining plan.

[LauraF]

My BF after having all sorts of fancy food on the trip INSISTED on eating at the American pavillion for lunch one day so he could have some 'normal stuff, like hamburgers or chicken nuggets." I just brought my lunch over from another pavillion and ate it with him.

Everybody has different needs while on vacation. Thankfully there is enough for everybody to choose something they like.

[bicker]

Are any other Americans embarrassed that the best food choices we can put forth for our Epcot pavilion is counter service consisting of basically fast food?

Not at all. That eatery serves a very important role in the World Showcase, serving specific needs that would otherwise remain unsatisfied -- a condition that would not be a good reflection on a host. The reality is that there is wonderful American cuisine at WDW, in such numbers that to have yet-another American restaurant, to the exclusion of the counter service option that is currently available, would be in appropriate.

[big blue and hairy]

Not at all. That eatery serves a very important role in the World Showcase, serving specific needs that would otherwise remain unsatisfied -- a condition that would not be a good reflection on a host. The reality is that there is wonderful American cuisine at WDW, in such numbers that to have yet-another American restaurant, to the exclusion of the counter service option that is currently available, would be in appropriate.

I agree, except for one thing. All the other pavillions have a CS and a sitdown. I've got it, we invade Canada and take over Le Cellier!

[c&d]

I would love a sit down meal with a choice of food from each region of our country.

[ThanxForNoticin]

I agree, except for one thing. All the other pavillions have a CS and a sitdown. I've got it, we invade Canada and take over Le Cellier!

Keep in mind, when EPCOT first opened, the American Pavilion was really the only one that had a counter service for food is the WS. There was no stand in Mexico or England, etc. That being said, I really do agree that perhaps a nice sit-down American restaurant might be a good addition in the WS. I'd keep the current burgers and fries place, but add a nice dining experience.

[r4kids]

I agree, except for one thing. All the other pavillions have a CS and a sitdown. I've got it, we invade Canada and take over Le Cellier!

LOL Great Idea!!!

[rafiki fan]

I thank everyone for their input. I had no idea it would stir up such conversation. Having read the posts I do see more of an idea of what is needed. Leave the CS as it is and add a sit down. As far as there being plenty of truly American food at WDW I somewhat agree but we are talking World Showcase where coutnries are showing the world their best.

How about a sit down restaurant where regional dishes are served like Maryland Crab cakes, Virginia Ham, St Louis Ribs, Creole from south and the list can go on. It will probably be harder to narrow down the menu than to come up with enough ideas. The drink menu could have wines from the wine states and mint juleps from Kentucky. Just a thought. Thanks again for all of your input.

[thrillme]

I sorta felt embarrassed too. Not so much they were offering hot dogs and hamburgers but they were just another "quick service" style.

There are a lot of wonderful "American" dishes but I guess Hamburgers and Hot Dogs are too America as Speghetti is to Italy.

Alas...there are BETTER hamburgers. Beach Club has a pretty good burger. What about turning it our American Section into a table service like the other resturants there with a GOOD quality Angus beef burger and a "gormet" styled Hot Dog with a high quality dog as opposed to the dog you get at quick service.

[EmISeeKayEeWhy]

Yeah but, what exactly is American food? All our food comes from other countries

[Rhetoric2000]

Yeah but, what exactly is American food? All our food comes from other countries

As an outsider may I answer this?

While at times it does seem odd to have fare such as burgers, hot dogs, fries and apple pie - none of which of course are actually American in origin - desribed as American food; there is no doubting that the US has some of the most diverse and distinct styles of food around.

The Pacific NorthWest cuisine of Artist Point, for instance, could only possibly be considered American, as could the combinations in the Flying Fish Cafe. There is a texture of most of the fruit and vegetables in the US (and in Florida especially) that is common to only North America and that means that the salads found throughout the resort, even those, say, at Boma are definitely American. Any approach to barbecue that goes beyond basting meat a bit and shoving it over coals is American. Don't doubt the defined identity of American food at all - it just isn't burgers and fries as is commonly thought.

If you still don't believe there is distinct American style to food - come to Europe and ask a chef in any country to make you surf and turf. Then you'll see a reaction, In fact if Pox24s plan to have a restaurant in the US area for the sole purpose of annoying the French goes ahead, may I suggest an entire menu of surf and turf dishes?

[EmISeeKayEeWhy]

hehe ok I'll give ya BBQ

[pox24]

Apparently some humor goes un noticed across the pond. My comments were meant in jest and its a shame it was missed. My tongue is still in my cheek.

[cer]

Very interesting thread.

I don't have a strong opinion on this issue. I have not really considered it...BUT what if they had a QS location in the American Pavilion that offered nothing but "State Fair Cuisine"?!?! Step up folks, get your fried oreos and fried cheesecake on a stick? (Just kidding of course, but can you imagine?)

I can get a stomach-ache just thinking about it...