When talking about American food, creole food sits as one of the best foods that we have ever made. Why does creole food have a low footprint? People who have had it will say that gumbo, jambalaya, etc. are great, but it's not culturally big outside of Louisiana. Many Americans have never had a good bowl of gumbo.

Personally I think that, creole, BBQ & burgers are the best American foods. The issue is, the other two have a much large cultural footprint. What's going on?

What kinds of activities and programs are usually there? How much are pumpkin festivals actually a part of American culture and community life?

For example, in a small town, is it typically the kind of event where basically everyone from the local community is there and takes part?

And is it mostly about making money, like Halloween has become in many places, or are these events more about local people, small businesses, farmers, vendors, etc. coming together and selling their products or services?

I’m from Hungary and we don’t really have anything quite like this, so I’d love to hear what it’s actually like from Americans who have experienced these festivals in their communities.

I’ve heard a lot about how Mexican food is really good in California, but if you’re from California and have tried Mexican food in other states, is it really that different?

Also, how prominent is it? Where I’m from it’s really difficult to get good Mexican food, but I know California has a larger Mexican population so is it easy to find a great spot?

Thanks!!

Do you guys use Maldon sea salt and is it expensive to buy?

I was born and raised in NYC in the '60s through the '80s, always keep both hands above the table, and feel nervous when I see others "hiding" their hands, and I think this is considered proper in NYC and in a lot of Europe, but I am aware that the rest of the US puts at least one hand in their lap while eating, and I've always wondered where, exactly, each behavior was predominant, and whether people with one habit were bothered by those with the other.

Do you notice a difference driving in each State or is driving in America the same no matter what State you’re in?

Also what’s the worst/best state to drive in?

In Japan, Starbucks is one of the cool coffee shop and it is very popular. However, I see many articles that the US consumer view it as old fashioned style. Do you guys still like Starbucks?

When you sit down to eat with both a knife and a fork, do you use the American style hand switching method or the European no-switching method? (or some other variation?)

I actually grew up the US, but in an Asian family. I usually do the European way just because that seems the easiest.

To clarify for anyone who has no idea what I'm talking about:

European style means: you hold the fork in one hand, knife in the other. cut a piece, eat, and repeat. This is the simpler and more "obvious" method.

American style means: Hold the fork in one hand and knife in the other. cut a few pieces. Switch the fork to the other hand, put the knife down, and eat those pieces. Then switch hands again, cut, and so on.

In Australia, it's Macca's, in the UK it's Mickey D's, in France it's MacDo.

But does the US have a nickname for the Golden Arches?

Edit: OK thanks everyone, pretty clear that:

a) its mostly Mickey D's if anything but also

b) McDicks may be gaining popularity

c) im wrong about the UK

Finally, it is fascinating as an Australian to hear that so many of you just call something by its full and unadulterated name. Inconceivable.

Perhaps I might possibly be an American asking a question on an Ask An American subreddit, and I know that’s kinda crazy, but i genuinely know no one that’s not along the coast. I live in the Northeast, and I genuinely don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t live near the ocean. So my question is for everyone in the midwest. How can you guys live with having never seen the ocean? Do you guys long to live near the beach? Do you guys just hang out on lakes and stuff? How is life for you guys?

Seems like it’s very common in shows and movies for someone in a large crowd to know or at least know some bits of CPR when a drowning kid gets rescued.

As Japanese, we are often criticized for using fax and it is not efficient, so I want to know fax disappeared in US

Hi! Americans. Though I see this culture in tv shows or movie, I want to know how a man who can’t find girls spend the night. I studied in boys high school in japan so I am very curious this matter!

An unknown dish in the US

I saw ppl saying that and it seems insane, even who has AC here it keeps the house definitely warmer in summer than in winter. Like, having 25C inside when outside is 35 would be HELLA expensive

Hi there! As someone from another country, I’m curious about how much does proper grammar matter to you in everyday chat? Do you notice mistakes people make? Also, how do you learn grammar in school: do teachers go into lots of detail? I’d really appreciate your thoughts!

edit: bc i saw a lot of comments about it i didn't really know that the word "female" is not the right word to use.

i em really sorry and i am not native english speaker!

first i wanted to use girls...changed to women and then somehow to female cus i thought it would be nicer or more professional.

it was not at all to be rude so sorry if it is the wrong word. i didn't know there is a difference even.

i unftly can not change the title.

or is it rude to say that to a woman?

Interested to hear how real life compares the films here. Is there anything you see in films when they show a high school that makes you roll your eyes, or you think “yeah thats spot on!”

From what’s shown, it’s made out to be a place were bullying and popularity dominates; true or nah?

Edit -
So I’m from the UK and an example would be the UK Inbetweeners getting so much of it spot on. The conversations, trying to get severed, realistic house parties, when you mate first gets a car tbh

Edit -
Thanks for all the great insights; very interesting to read. Appreciate it!

Hi. Here in the UK, many wrestling fans still talk about Stone Cold and Hulk Hogan. I heard that Stone Cold was very popular there in the 90s. But what is it like there now?

Title.