"Hench" > wrote in message ...
> Here in Canuckistan it's pretty normal when receiving a desert serving to
> have two forks/spoons provided, as it's expected the desert will be shared
> if it's a couple. Many times appetizers are shared as well and the
> servers explain the appetizer choices with sharing kept in mind.
>
> I've noticed in the United States that there are more places that
> emphasize large portions for value prices but that's the system they have.
> I rarely see portion sizes like that at value restaurants in Canada, even
> at the American chains that operate here.
>
> Then there's the walk up and help yourself "salad bar" at places...

When we first moved to Bothell, we made the mistake of trying a Mexican
place that never seemed to have any vehicles outside. The place closed
within days of us stopping there. The waiter kept emphasizing that they had
such large portions. And they did! But the food was tasteless. I started
with a dinner salad which he tried to talk me out of. Kept telling me that
it was just a plain salad. And that was what I wanted. Turned out to be
the standard American blend, probably from a bag. I don't remember anything
being wrong with that.

But the chips? Stale. The salsa? Weak and watery. And every single meal
that we ordered seemed to have no seasoning to it whatever. Rice that was
so pale that it was almost white. Runny beans. I think my dad most likely
had the Arroz Con Pollo because in those days that was his preferred meal.
We wound up leaving the food on our plates and then stopping at the Burger
Master where everything is always good!

They too suffer from the big food concept although they do offer kid's
meals. Angela and I used to order the Turkey Master which is like a grilled
cheese sandwich with turkey and bacon and probably tomato and onion.
Haven't had one in many years. Just remember that it was very good. Done
on sourdough. But it was so large that even when we split it, we still
couldn't finish it. Burger Master isn't a sit down place. At least this
one isn't. They did have some in the past with tables inside and even an
excellent salad bar. This is one of those true old timey places where you
drive up and eat in your car or take the food home. They are also known for
their milkshakes and pie, neither of which I have tried.