Bowling and Burgers

Two pillars of the American way, bowling and burgers, two things that America does very well and the UK makes a rather half assed effort at. I've always said that there are things we do well, things America does well and things we both really suck at. For instance, daytime TV. America stinks at daytime TV. If I have to watch one more over excited mid 40 year old scream into a microphone because Ellen gave her a free DVD then I might cry. We on the other hand handle our daytime TV with dignity: Home Under The Hammer, A Place In the Sun, BBC Breakfast and of course This Morning. All perfect examples of British restraint and class. Anyway I digress, this week saw our first expedition to an American bowling Alley, and what an Alley it was. In the UK bowling alleys don't really have an identity, half aimed at kids and half at adults there is no real life or buzz to the place. Well they could do worse than take a visit to "Memory Lanes" a thriving alley which has thumping music, disco lights, and beer by the bucket load. In the US beer and bowling go hand in hand, you have a server for your lane, you play, you drink, and in my case you get better the more you drink. My last game saw 5 strikes, 2 spares and a score of 158. Not bad.


Completely sold on the US bowling experience how would we top such an event you ask. Well ladies and gents I give you the pride of Minneapolis- the Jucy Lucy (and that is how its spelt).


Two burger patties placed on top of each other infused with melted cheese in the middle the Jucy Lucy is Minneapolis. We were taken to Matt's Bar, where the Jucy Lucy is said to have been born (though the nearby 5-8 Club do dispute it). I loved my Jucy Lucy, I loved the fact we had to wait 5 minutes before being able to eat it, the waitress gives you a health warning over the melted cheese so you don't sue the place later on.

So 2 days and 2 perfect examples of what makes America great. Its our last week in Minneapolis this week, and then onto Pittsburgh. Not before the small matter of some poor sod turning 30 on Saturday, but enough of that.

Enjoy

Alan