Food, drink, and an angry Brit

If you met a British person for the first time, what would you talk about? Well, one thing many people here tell me within minutes of learning my nationality is how bad British food is. And this is something that really annoys me.

I could probably accept some criticism from the French or the Italians, whose food is, after all, world famous. But let's face it: the Germans aren't exactly known for their culinary genius. In fact, British, German and most northern European food is actually quite similar. So I'm puzzled why the Germans seem so picky about British food. That's why I started asking some questions.

"So what have you eaten in Britain that was so bad?" I asked someone I met recently who, in a failed attempt at small talk, thought it would be a good idea to slate British cuisine. "Er, I've never actually been to Britain," she replied. "Excuse me?" I asked, expecting her to find another way to prove her credentials as an apparent expert on the dishes of Great Britain. She quickly changed the subject.

Weeks later, the topic came up again while I was at the dentist. Seconds into our consultation he somewhat randomly told me how bad the food was when he had last visited London. "So where did you eat?" I enquired. "Oh, I can't remember," he said. "It was sometime in the early seventies." Trying to hide my frustration for fear that he would exact revenge on my teeth, I politely reminded him that a lot can change in FORTY years!!! He smiled, gave me a silent nod and then stuck some instruments in my mouth.

And that's when I realized. Britain's bad reputation for food seems to be an outdated stereotype that a lot of people just accept, just like the stereotype that Germans eat sausages and sauerkraut with litres of beer everyday. Sure - there are some bad restaurants in Britain, just like there probably are some Germans who eat sausages and sauerkraut every day. But this isn't the rule. Most people I know who have visited Britain THIS MILLENNIUM have been very positive about the food.

British food is more about fish and chips and a fried breakfast. You can't beat a juicy roast dinner with beef, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding on a Sunday afternoon. Bacon in Britain is soooo good. And I'd like to shake the hands of the people who invented pork pies, scotch eggs and Cornish pasties for giving us such tasty snacks. Is there a better dessert than treacle pudding with custard? And teacakes, chocolate digestives, Wagon Wheels and Cadbury's chocolate - I look forward to these treats every time I go to Britain.

If you're going to Britain soon, why don't you try some of these things? Just don't tell me - you'll make me jealous!