Aug./Sept. 2022

GRAPEVINE

American Diners – Michael Henderson

Issue No. 8Independence Day! – Katelyn Sondereker

In Japan, you might have heard about the family

On July 4th, Americans have a holiday called

restaurant chain “Denny’s”. This restaurant chain

Independence Day or The Fourth of July. Before theactually came from America! But the Denny’s in

Revolutionary War ( アメリ カ独立 戦争 ) ended inJapan and the Denny’s in America are completely

1776, America belonged to England. On July 2nd, thedifferent. Denny’s is a diner, which are a unique type

Declaration of Independence (独立宣言) was signed.

of restaurant from America.

This document says that Americans have the right toDiners have a very distinct (独特な) architecture

be their own country and that they are free to seek life,and food. They were most popular in America fromliberty (自由), and the pursuit of happiness (幸せ).

the 1940s to the 1960s. Often diners have stainless

However, Americans have always celebrated this onsteel ( ス テ ン レ ス 鋼 ) tables and large booths forJuly 4th. We celebrate this day with friends and familygroups of people. There are many stools at theby having picnics and watching fireworks ( 花 火 ).

counter for sitting, like at an izakaya. The signs ofBecause of the colors of the American flag, people

diners are in neon lights ( ネ オ ン ), which arealso often wear red, white, and blue clothing.

important because diners are often open very late.

In Ohio, my family, including my grandparents,

The atmosphere (雰囲気) of a diner is pretty casual,aunts, uncles, and lots of cousins, go to a place called

and it’s common for customers to have conversations

Blossom, which is an outdoor concert venue (イベンwith the waiters. The food at diners consists ofト会場). There, we listen to a concert of American

hamburgers, hotdogs, French fries, and milkshakes,orchestra ( 交 響 楽 団 ) music while having a huge

as well as breakfast foods like pancakes, waffles, eggs,picnic on the grass. I love making lots of food with myand hash browns. The portions (食事の量) at diners

mom beforehand and the feeling of the fireworks

are also very big!

when they explode (あがる) in the sky.

To Americans, diners are a retro place from theThere are many firework festivals and events

past where you can eat delicious food at a cheap price.

around July 4th, but it is also very popular for people

Diners were popular hangout spots for teenagers, andto buy their own fireworks and set them off (花火にare still popular today (though maybe a little less).

点火する) at their houses! Near my house, there is aDiners are often the only restaurants open late at

firework store that is only open a few days before andnight, so I would go with my friends a lot during

a few days after The Fourth of July. They make socollege when we would study late. If you study abroadmuch money from this holiday that they are hardly

in America, try going to an authentic American diner!

open any other days of the year!

An American diner inFourth of July celebration at

1960s-style architecture

Blossom Music Center in Ohio

D i n er Fo o d !

E n g l i s h Id i o m
What do you think the idiom “Call it a day”

A really common foodmeans?

you’ll find at a diner is themilkshake! It oftenA)

When something great happens

comes in a glass like theB)To stop working on something

one on the left, and thereC)

To make plans on a certain day

are many flavors. Dinermilkshakes are a little

HINT:

romantic because

A: “It’s already 5 PM, we started this project 7

teenagers on dates would
often share one together!

hours ago!”
B: “You’re right, let’s call it a day.”

Fourth of July Word Scramble!
Unscramble the words below related to the Fourth of July!

SIRFEOWK________________________________IDDPNEENCEEN________________________________

GLFA________________________________CCIPNI________________________________

ARAIEMC________________________________

MOFEERD________________________________

Survey!
“Have you ever tried a milkshake before?”
Yes, I have!
No, I haven’t!
Class Number: ____年 ____ 組
Please submit in the box outside the teacher’s room!