Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Hancock
Who the F cares if "Chinese, Italian or Mexican" food served here in the US is authentic or not? I don't give a rat's arse. I just want my food to taste good regardless of what it is.   |
In my experience, the "authentic" stuff tastes far better than the Americanized version. That likely isn't the case in much of the US since there aren't as many authentic ethnic options. One advantage to LA - you can get the real deal for most any cuisine and it hasn't been "improved" for American palettes. There are some exceptions - for instance a local Vietnamese place makes bun that varies from the traditional recipe (different greens). I actually prefer it, but the other aspects of the dish are traditional.
It just depends on what you've been exposed to and grew up eating. Born and raised in San Diego, good Mexican food was always around. I remember going back to Princeton, NJ and being taken out to a "Mexican" restaurant. I thought is was terrible. The locals liked it, but they'd never had the real thing. They probably would hate "authentic" Mexican.
You're right that if you like it, then it is good to you. But most people eat "ethnic" food and make a judgement on that example...which usually isn't ethnic other than the name given to it.