Lesson
What's pub grub? Pub grub is an American expression for food that's eaten late night while drinking--either at the pub or after the pub. Almost every country has a version of pub grub.
In Canada, the ultimate pub grub is called poutine. Poutine is French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. It's more common in the French-speaking province of Quebec, but it can be found in every province, from British Columbia to Newfoundland. Even fast-food restaurants in Canada serve poutine.
In England and Ireland, pub grub usually means fish and chips. While English and Irish cuisine is usually not spectacular, the fried fish in both of these countries is some of the best in the world. Ask an English ex-patriot what he or she misses most about England, and fish and chips might be the answer.
Spain is the ultimate country for pub grub. Tapas are small plates of food served in most Spanish bars, and Spaniards might visit three or four places in one night, sampling the best of Spanish food. The Spanish have their own version of fried fish called adobo. It's marinated in vinegar before it's fried, and it's delicious. Other common tapas are patatas bravas and Spanish tortilla.
The most common pub grub in America is a hamburger. Americans don't eat as many hamburgers as many people think, but it's common for a tipsy Yank to scarf a burger before ending a night of drinking. What's pub grub in your country?
Vocabulary:
Pub Grub: Food that's eaten late night while drinking.
French Fries: Fried potatoes. Chips in British English.
Ex-patriot: Someone who no longer lives is his or her country.
Patatas Bravas: Fried potatoes with a spicy red sauce.
Spanish tortilla: Spanish omelet with potatoes.
Tipsy: A little drunk.
Yank: An American (slang).
Scarf: To eat quickly.
