Her biggest culinary surprise is a sweet pickle. When she bit into the pickle, she expected it to taste like vinegar. I didn't like it. She does find service at American restaurants friendlier and more efficient than in French restaurants. Finding foods from home can be a challenge for new immigrants, said Alexander Durtka Jr., president of the International Institute of Wisconsin.
Many vegetables are unique to foreign countries.
Asian immigrants, who grew up with rice as a staple, often are overwhelmed by the dominance of meat in American diets, Durtka said. Even eating times are an adjustment, said Durtka. In Greece, dinner is eaten at 11 p.m. or midnight. Noodle shops are Japan's version of fast food, and noodle shops don't exist here. Think about some of the unusual names we give American foods, and it's no wonder immigrants are confused by our menus.