“What do you miss about the USA?” is on the top 5 list of questions that many expats are asked when being quizzed about their reasons for living abroad. As a shallow, culinary obsessed, mid-twenty something, my answer will always remain something superficial. These days with the glories of social media and the wonders of Skype, Gchat, Facebook and Twatter, friends and family are just a LIKE button away. So, naturally, I long for those tangible commodities: food and clothes.
My first day upon arriving to the United States after two long years away and I went straight for the Trader Joes. I already requested to be greeted by my wish list of items like Blue Moon Beer, gushers, tahini hummus, bagels, water chestnuts, cottage cheese and pickles (mmm what a fabulous combination), and shortly after arriving at O’Hare International Airport I headed for the supermarkets – roaming the aisles mentally noting all the long lost foods I wish I had in Argentina, frantically filling the cart with all my old time favorites, comparing the dollar to the peso prices (btw even with inflation, supermarkets in BA are still much cheaper). Other than my great supermarket sweep, the major importance centered around knocking off my food hit list – with only 3 weeks in Chicago, it was essential to commence my eat-a-thon with gusto.
(Starting from top left: Seared Ahi Tuna Salad @ Sweetwater Grill Chicago, Spinach, Mushroom and Onion Pan Pizza @ Piero’s Pizza Highland Park, Spicy Tuna & Shrimp Tempura Rolls @ Sashimi Sashimi Evanston, Turkey & Cranberry Burgers @ Mymom, Chopped Salad @ Rosebud Highland Park, Assortment of rolls including Tuna Tataki Crunch, Avocado Torch & Spicy Scallop @ Koya Highland Park, Hot Cocoa w/ Marshmallows @Myhouse, Pad Thai Chicken @ Your Choice Glenview, Bagel w/ Veggie Cream Cheese, Lox & Tomatoes @Once Upon A Bagel Highland Park, Bagel Spread @OUAB HP, More Pad Thai, Chicken Satay, Tofu Broccoli, Curry @ Your Choice Glenview, Naan Veggie Pizza @Mymama, MATT’S Chocolate Chip Cookies @MATTS dabombness, Jumbo Char Dog w/ Cheese Fries @ Michael’s Red Hots Highland Park, Lobster Bisque @Foodstuffs Glencoe, Challah French Toast @Mymama)
What foods do YOU miss most about your home country?
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adnana says
you eat it:))))))))))
ahh im so immature
Nico says
I am an Argentinian living in USA, I always see the cottage cheese but I do not know what to do with it, any suggestion? thanks.
Paul Strobl says
I’m with you on the cranberries for sure, but you can buy tahini here and make your own hummus (I happen to be an addict, so a little preparation time couldn’t stop me!).
Though I will say that a Mantecol does not compare to a Reece’s Peanut Butter cup (especially the dark chocolate ones!).
mybeautifulair says
i miss pho! have some for me will you?
Anonymous says
simply glorious
Sarah says
That all looks so yummy!!! wow my list is endless but my tops are buffalo chicken finger wraps (ive tried making them here and I just cant capture it like the deli by my house), sausage egg and cheese on a bagel from Dunkin Donuts, and american style subs and pizzas (Pepperoni!!)… a variety of sushi (im sorry but the salmon and philly cheese rolls here just dont do it for me) and American chinese food :) crab rangoons, etc :) I dream about food from home all the time :)