# Please tell me this isn't a permanent part of our (American) culture... **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 3, 2013, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971 "2013-01-03T16:46:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Horatio\_Hellpop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/21 "2013-01-04T04:11:14Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > When and why have we Americans incorporated as part of our popular culture trying to top each other on inventing the most fattening, grease-laden, and heart-stopping meat-based foods we possibly can? Are we so used to Europe making fun of our collective fatness that we’ve now just started making fun of ourselves? What gives? I’ve wondered for a while about what motivates Guy Fieri to foist these fearfully unhealthy and bad-tasting foodstuffs on the public. There are easier ways to make a buck, so I’ve narrowed it down to “hostility” and “pure evil.” ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/22 "2013-01-04T04:15:31Z")
> [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](#): > > WANT! You might also like my recipe for a deep fried bacon & butter stuffed turkey. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/23 "2013-01-04T04:19:38Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > On Facebook just now, I discovered a friend posted this: > > [http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/daily-morning-awesomeness-15.jpg](http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/daily-morning-awesomeness-15.jpg) (SFW) > > When and why have we Americans incorporated as part of our popular culture trying to top each other on inventing the most fattening, grease-laden, and heart-stopping meat-based foods we possibly can? Are we so used to Europe making fun of our collective fatness that we’ve now just started making fun of ourselves? What gives? Pointless effort. There’s no topping the Ukrainians and their [chocolate-covered hog-lard slabs.](http://onlyinukraine.blogspot.com/2005/12/chocolate-covered-salo-my-favorite.html) ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/24 "2013-01-04T04:53:19Z")
> [@Krokodil](#): > > I’ve wondered for a while about what motivates Guy Fieri to foist these fearfully unhealthy and bad-tasting foodstuffs on the public. There are easier ways to make a buck, so I’ve narrowed it down to “hostility” and “pure evil.” That dude has every hallmark of being a douchebag. There’s a review of his new NYC restaurant which is hilarious, and impressive in that I have never seen a restaurant reviewed that snarkily. [http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/dining/reviews/restaurant-review-guys-american-kitchen-bar-in-times-square.html?\_r=0](http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/dining/reviews/restaurant-review-guys-american-kitchen-bar-in-times-square.html?_r=0) ---
**Author:** ![etv78](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d78d45/32.png) [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/25 "2013-01-04T05:28:46Z")
The “Big Texan” was the 1st eating challenge on MvF. ---
**Author:** ![grodinsky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/57b2e6/32.png) [@grodinsky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grodinsky)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/26 "2013-01-04T06:50:32Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > When I was doing Atkins I would eat the KFC double-down. Not too bad. It is only 540 calories. people who were going crazy over the ‘double down’ have no concept of calories etc. youre taking away 2 pieces of bread and adding 1 piece of chicken. that’s actually probably healthier for a lot of people’s diets. ---
**Author:** ![the\_diego](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7bcc69/32.png) [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/27 "2013-01-04T08:21:23Z")
I think it simply means “US defeats the Roman empire.” ---
**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 10:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/28 "2013-01-04T10:04:38Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > On Facebook just now, I discovered a friend posted this: > > [http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/daily-morning-awesomeness-15.jpg](http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/daily-morning-awesomeness-15.jpg) (SFW) > > When and why have we Americans incorporated as part of our popular culture trying to top each other on inventing the most fattening, grease-laden, and heart-stopping meat-based foods we possibly can? Are we so used to Europe making fun of our collective fatness that we’ve now just started making fun of ourselves? What gives? There are people who are so irritated by sanctimonious preaching about the evils of eating anything with so much as a milligram of fat/salt/flavor that I would not be surprised by backlash as a motivation. ---
**Author:** ![Shakester](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shakester/32/437_2.png) [@Shakester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shakester)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/29 "2013-01-04T10:24:36Z")
Memo to US Americans: Australia isn’t in Europe. Neither is New Zealand. There are quite a few first-world (and many more developing) nations outside of Europe that are also making fun of fat Americans. Just say “rest of the world” instead of “Europe” in future, and you’ll be more accurate and less irritating. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/30 "2013-01-04T11:38:59Z")
> [@drastic\_quench](#): > > Woah, Woah, Woah. If were going out Rome style, I’m still due orgies and gladiator death sports. Feasts alone doesn’t cut it. Sorry, it only gets as far as internet midget porn and first person shooters this time around. Budget crisis, standards falling everywhere, have to make more with less, I’m sure you understand. ---
**Author:** ![Bridget\_Burke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7cd45c/32.png) [@Bridget\_Burke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bridget_Burke)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/31 "2013-01-04T13:25:55Z")
Bernie’s Burger Bus offers this delicacy: > [@](#): > > Two applewood smoked bacon grill cheeses used as the bun, two signature beef patties topped with Texas cheddar, tipsy onions, and all the fixings. The folks who have actually eaten one are so few that they are listed on the website. The item mostly functions to make those of us ordering [one of the more moderate selections](http://www.berniesburgerbus.com/?page_id=22) feel virtuous. By refusing the Truffle Laced Hand-Cut Fries w/ Parmesan and Green Onions, Bleu Cheese Fries with Applewood Smoked Bacon and Green Onions or the Chili Cheese Fries with Homemade Chili, TX cheddar and Chipotle Aioli–we’re practically dieting! ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/32 "2013-01-04T14:57:22Z")
> [@](#): > > Two applewood smoked bacon grill cheeses used as the bun I’m sorry, I’m having trouble parsing that sentence - are we talking about wheels of cheese grilled on a grill meant for applewood smoked bacon ? Grilled cheese wrapped in applewood smoked bacon ? Applewood smoked cheeses grilled as if they were bacon, or with bacon, or on grills meant for bacon ? What ? ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/33 "2013-01-04T15:03:45Z")
> [@Kobal2](#): > > I’m sorry, I’m having trouble parsing that sentence - are we talking about wheels of cheese grilled on a grill meant for applewood smoked bacon ? Grilled cheese wrapped in applewood smoked bacon ? Applewood smoked cheeses grilled as if they were bacon, or with bacon, or on grills meant for bacon ? What ? I’m pretty sure that’s grilled cheese and bacon sandwiches used as the upper and lower “buns” of the burger. > [@grodinsky](#): > > people who were going crazy over the ‘double down’ have no concept of calories etc. youre taking away 2 pieces of bread and adding 1 piece of chicken. that’s actually probably healthier for a lot of people’s diets. Yes this. Not that I’m going to argue that the double down is fine, healthy dining, it’s no worse than a “chicken finger” appetizer at any restaurant. People forget how many calories are in bread. When I make a ham sandwich, unless I really layer it on, there are often more calories in the bread than in all the filler. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/34 "2013-01-04T15:31:29Z")
> [@Bridget\_Burke](#): > > the Truffle Laced Hand-Cut Fries w/ Parmesan and Green Onions Those are ungodly good. I know some folks who have had the Detention just to say they’ve had it. Needed to split it between 2 or 3 people, though, just due to the amount of grease. In terms of amount of food, it’s less than the 1lb burgers you can get at a Fuddrucker’s, though not too many people order those, either. And yes, it’s two grilled bacon+cheese sandwiches used as buns for 2 regular burger patties. ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/35 "2013-01-04T15:37:11Z")
> [@hrhomer](#): > > It’s the fall of Rome all over again. No truer words have been typed than these. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/36 "2013-01-04T15:50:34Z")
N.B.: Rome didn’t fall from orgies and overindulgence – that was early-Empire stuff, out of fashion by the time of the Antonines, and completely unacceptable after the Empire went Christian. (Gladiatorial games survived well into the Christian period, however.) ---
**Author:** ![Lukeinva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lukeinva/32/17872_2.png) [@Lukeinva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lukeinva)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/37 "2013-01-04T18:16:08Z")
When Raisa Gorbachev visited an American grocery store she left in tears after seeing all the excess of products in the US, but which her own country doesn’t have. So part of it is because America really is the Land of Plenty (imo). ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/38 "2013-01-04T18:51:07Z")
> [@Eonwe](#): > > I’m pretty sure that’s grilled cheese and bacon sandwiches used as the upper and lower “buns” of the burger. > > Yes this. Not that I’m going to argue that the double down is fine, healthy dining, it’s no worse than a “chicken finger” appetizer at any restaurant. > > People forget how many calories are in bread. When I make a ham sandwich, unless I really layer it on, there are often more calories in the bread than in all the filler. that’s the thing. As much as I get the humor of sites like “[thisiswhyyourefat.com](http://thisiswhyyourefat.com),” the reality is that novelties like Luther burgers or the thing in the OP isn’t why. It’s because too many people feed themselves and their kids from the frozen food section of the grocery store, and consume too much soda. Which is why the rampant fucktardery like trying to ban Happy Meals or other idiocy is pointless. A Happy Meal is no worse for your kid than a meal of Ore-Ida tater tots and Tyson chicken nuggets. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971/39 "2013-01-04T18:58:39Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > When I was doing Atkins I would eat the KFC double-down. Not too bad. It is only 540 calories. When the KFC Double Down was introduced and a lot of people criticized it, someone pointed out that it’s similar to a Chicken Cordon Bleu. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-this-isnt-a-permanent-part-of-our-american-culture/645971.md?page=1)