I do think the average American is becoming more adventurous and discriminating about food. At least, they've come a long way in the last 20 years. Being a "foodie" is a status symbol, the Food Network and PBS cooking shows are extremely popular, and chain grocery stores are carrying more gourmet and ethnic foods. It's not Europe, but there has been a backlash to the pre-packaged, fast food culture. At least among those who can afford to eat anything else.
But tripe? I like a lot of funky stuff, but tripe is definately an acquired taste... Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. -Voltaire
And yes, it also reminds me of David Sedaris, especially Picka Pocketoni Europeans think a hundred miles is a long way. Americans think a hundred years is a long time.
On my first and last ordinary package tour to Spain I foolishly got a full board deal so had one or two meals at the hotel a day. Fortunately it catered for a variety of nationalities so I could pretend to be German is needs be. The resturant used to post its menus in Spanish, German, French and English. One day they had pineapple on the menu but did not translate it from the French into English. Consequently I overheard a woman from the north of England exclaim loudly "ooooh look, they've got bananas on the menu and they've missed off the B"
