# The disappointment in ordering a local/regional specialty outside of that locale **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [September 21, 2023, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503 "2023-09-21T21:24:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2023, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/141 "2023-09-25T23:26:33Z")
> [@Tibby](#): > > My sister and late BIL kept telling me the best steak sandwich was from a shop in their town of Bryn Mahr. Amazing that such an establishment would be completely unknown to the student body of Villanova, right next door. Where was it? ---
**Author:** ![Push\_You\_Down](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/push_you_down/32/9095_2.png) [@Push\_You\_Down](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Push_You_Down)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/142 "2023-09-26T02:08:39Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > Want Mexican food exactly like you can get in San Diego? We’ve got at least two 'Berto’s-style chains run by SoCal expats. As a Californian this…offends me. 🙂 Albertos, while beloved, is basically a style of greasy fastfood mexican. Your post actually reminded me… the Seattle area definitely has a regional speciality and that is Teriyaki. It’s very specific (a kind of overly sweet sauce) and you really just don’t find it as prominiently in other places. I forgot about it until I moved back and noticed all the teriyaki places. ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/143 "2023-09-26T02:51:45Z")
The discussion of seafood upthread reminded me, when I moved from North Carolina to California, I was disappointed every time I ordered fried shrimp at a seafood restaurant. You see, in the Carolinas fried seafood, and shrimp especially, is invariably going to be “[Calabash style](https://discoversouthcarolina.com/articles/what-is-calabash-shrimp)”, breaded with a very light batter. Calabash shrimp was a favorite food of mine growing up. The fried seafood on the West Coast is, well, different. I had to learn to stop ordering fried shrimp at seafood restaurants here, and learn what dishes California seafood restaurants were good at making, like [cioppino](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cioppino). ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/144 "2023-09-26T03:06:38Z")
> [@Push\_You\_Down](#): > > Your post actually reminded me… the Seattle area definitely has a regional speciality and that is Teriyaki. It’s very specific (a kind of overly sweet sauce) and you really just don’t find it as prominiently in other places. I forgot about it until I moved back and noticed all the teriyaki places. I really miss Seattle teriyaki. Lest few times I was up for work pre-covid, it was getting harder and harder to find. Scary-yaki (RIP) on 2nd and Pike was my go-to for many years, especially once Mom’s in Belltown closed. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/145 "2023-09-26T03:18:45Z")
> [@Push\_You\_Down](#): > > …have you been to an “American style” restaurant in a foreign country? 20 years ago I tried a “Cal-Mex” place in Torquay Australia.They made a decent chicken burrito. I asked the owner about fish tacos. He knew about them but didn’t plan on adding them to the menu – said he thought fish and cabbage wrapped in a tortilla might be a tough sell. Doing a random search now it seems like they’ve caught on to some degree. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/146 "2023-09-26T03:37:27Z")
> [@Push\_You\_Down](#): > > As a Californian this…offends me. 🙂 > Albertos, while beloved, is basically a style of greasy fastfood mexican. I’ll not abide you sullying the good name of Roberto’s and its many knockoffs, sir. I could live the rest of my life off of rolled tacos, cheese enchiladas, carne asada fries, and the occasional chimichanga and I would be fat and happy. > [@Push\_You\_Down](#): > > Your post actually reminded me… the Seattle area definitely has a regional speciality and that is Teriyaki. Isn’t that’s justified another example of Seattle reproducing someone else’s cuisine, though? It’s not as though teriyaki was invented on Capitol Hill in 1978. ---
**Author:** ![Tibby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tibby/32/17030_2.png) [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/147 "2023-09-26T09:08:37Z")
I don’t remember the name or exact location of the place. I was only there once, years ago with my BIL (now I go to the fish market for my cheesesteaks). Not sure if it’s popular with the Villanova students or not—I’d think it should be. My sis and BIL lived just a few miles from the university. Beautiful campus. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/148 "2023-09-26T13:13:59Z")
> [@WildaBeast](#): > > The discussion of seafood upthread reminded me, when I moved from North Carolina to California, I was disappointed every time I ordered fried shrimp at a seafood restaurant. You see, in the Carolinas fried seafood, and shrimp especially, is invariably going to be “[Calabash style](https://discoversouthcarolina.com/articles/what-is-calabash-shrimp)”, breaded with a very light batter. The more important difference to me is that wild-caught Carolina shrimp are the food of the gods and, alongside wild-caught Pacific salmon, the best that the seas have to offer. If you get shrimp from a good coastal restaurant you’ll be getting those wild shrimp. Away from the coast, farmed shrimp are a lot more common, and they’re usually like shrimp-flavored jello, just sad to eat. ---
**Author:** ![Smid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/838e76/32.png) [@Smid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smid)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/149 "2023-09-26T14:01:17Z")
I thought Teriyaki was japanese, and that’s why every place in Hawaii had it on the menu, is that different from Seattle Teriyaki? Or did I just not know? ---
**Author:** ![Tibby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tibby/32/17030_2.png) [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/150 "2023-09-26T14:02:21Z")
Wild-caught Carolina shrimp are indeed good. They are _almost_ as good as Florida Mayport shrimp. 🙂 Both are known for their distinct flavors. Mayport shrimp are wild-caught shrimp that are collected in pristine seas in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Mayport shrimp from Florida are chemical-free by nature since they are collected in pristine seas. They have a clean, sweet taste due to their natural environment free from harsh chemicals. Carolina shrimp have a unique sea-like flavor, similar to iodine, and a firm texture. They are considered the most flavorful of the Southeastern Atlantic and Gulf Coast shrimp species. So, “clean, sweet taste” vs “iodine taste.” _Hmm, tough choice…_ [JK – they are both tasty treats] 😅 ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/151 "2023-09-26T14:06:36Z")
I’ll have to try those Mayport shrimp. All I know is that Poseidon himself has blessed Carolina shrimp. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/152 "2023-09-26T14:08:05Z")
> [@Smid](#): > > I thought Teriyaki was japanese, and that’s why every place in Hawaii had it on the menu, is that different from Seattle Teriyaki? Or did I just not know? Seattle teriyaki is a little different and bears a strong influence from Korean chefs that popularized the form. Probably pawalled > **[A City’s Specialty, Japanese in Name Only (Published 2010)](https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/06/dining/06unit.html)** > > In Seattle, teriyaki is omnipresent, the closest this city comes to a Chicago dog. Not paywalled > **[The History Of Seattle-Style Teriyaki - Tasting Table](https://www.tastingtable.com/1038395/the-history-of-seattle-style-teriyaki/)** > > Teriyaki is as special to Seattle as pizza is to New York. Here's the story of how the Japanese cooking style became a cultural staple in Seattle. ---
**Author:** ![Smid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/838e76/32.png) [@Smid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smid)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/153 "2023-09-26T14:11:19Z")
Interesting, I would have sought some out when over in Seattle if I’d known. I tend to avoid most asian food in the US because it’s mostly samey to the UK except for the weird box thing. ---
**Author:** ![Tibby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tibby/32/17030_2.png) [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/154 "2023-09-26T14:26:17Z")
My former office manager and her husband had a house on the St. Johns River, with a very long dock. She used to invite me and my partner over during the annual shrimp run season (~September – November) to catch shrimp (white, brown, and pink) with her 8’ throw nets. She threw her net in a perfect circle every time. I threw mine in very amorphous shapes, but still caught shrimp. Lots of ‘em. She easily caught \>10lbs of shrimp per night. She kept her large freezer full of shrimp. Good times. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/155 "2023-09-26T16:24:02Z")
> [@WildaBeast](#): > > > [@Push\_You\_Down](#): > > > > …I have you been to an “American style” restaurant in a foreign country? > > I happened to be in Killarney, Ireland on July 4 this year. To my surprise, Killarney holds a 4th of July parade every year (started by a group of American expats living there, from what I understand). And the special at the pub that evening was… turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy, i.e. some of the components of a traditional _Thanksgiving_ dinner. I feel like that was just the only “traditional American meal” the pub owner could think of. > > ETA: I didn’t order it. I actually ordered the curry. It actually came with chips (in the British sense), which I assume made it an authentic British pub curry, even if it was nothing like anything that would be served in South Asia. Back in 1985 I ate at a restaurant in Dublin that had a NYPD precinct theme. We just stumbled on it randomly. I don’t remember the entire menu but I had a pretty fantastic hamburger and enjoyed the overly friendly staff after they found out we were Americans. I was a teenager so I wasn’t looking to be adventurous with my food choices. ---
**Author:** ![Push\_You\_Down](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/push_you_down/32/9095_2.png) [@Push\_You\_Down](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Push_You_Down)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/156 "2023-09-26T16:33:16Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > Isn’t that’s justified another example of Seattle reproducing someone else’s cuisine, though? It’s not as though teriyaki was invented on Capitol Hill in 1978. No. It was lower Queen Anne. And I’m willing to bet Philadelphia didn’t invent the beef sandwich either…North Carolina didn’t invent smoking meats and grilling them…etc etc. Seattle teriyaki is different and unique. [The History Of Seattle-Style Teriyaki](https://www.tastingtable.com/1038395/the-history-of-seattle-style-teriyaki/) ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/157 "2023-09-26T16:59:26Z")
I have sampled “Texas barbecue” made outside of the state, and it has been universally disappointing. Of course I’ve had disappointing barbecue in Texas as well, so the issue is not strictly geographic. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/158 "2023-09-26T19:01:30Z")
I’ve found that bratwurst made outside of southeastern WI can be strange things. To me, the best brats come from Sheboygan county. I’ve sampled some made in Illinois and California that were pale, strangely seasoned sausages that did NOT punch my taste buds the way a true brat ought to. One whitish-pink specimen actually resembled a hot dog in taste and texture. Ugh! I’ve heard there are decent brats to be found in Ohio, but I’ve not had the chance to try them. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/159 "2023-09-26T19:32:42Z")
1976 seems kind of late for introducing teriyaki. I’d been eating it since I was a kid in the 50s. The article didn’t really explain it in much detail. How is it made “fast food style?” ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503/160 "2023-09-26T20:43:43Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > To me, the best brats come from Sheboygan county. I’ve sampled some made in Illinois and California that were pale, strangely seasoned sausages that did NOT punch my taste buds the way a true brat ought to. I used to work near an [Illinois butcher shop](http://reamsmeatmarket.com/products) that might have appeased you, with a wide array of award-winning sausages their primary offering. I say this not to debate the point (having never eaten brats in Sheboygan county) but because it reminded me that everyone here at home loved their sausages & hotdogs and we haven’t been able to find a replacement since I switched jobs. Now it’s an hour drive each way to get the sausages we loved and every local small-town style butcher shop we try is a disappointment compared to what we once had. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-disappointment-in-ordering-a-local-regional-specialty-outside-of-that-locale/990503.md?page=9)