diner food, health food, food food

[Milz]

A slang term for a 'diner' is 'greasy spoon' and some diners live up 
to that name. Generally, some diners and restaurants are known to do 
one or two dishes particularly well and these signature dishes are the 
thing to order. The locals usually know what's good where and not. 
Likewise, it's gastronomic suicide to order, say, grilled salmon at a 
steakhouse----that's just begging for trouble. Unless it's a 
restaurant that specializes in a particular cuisine or is known to do 
something particularly well, I don't order it. I've noticed that some 
restaurants will put a dish or two on their menu to placate an 
occasional customer.

Tourist trap restaurants can be as bad as some diners because they 
have a virtual monopoly on the tourists, who don't generally go out of 
the tourist area for meals and entertainment.  This isn't to say that 
all tourist trap restaurants are horrible, because some are rather 
good like K-Paul's in New Orleans. Another evil to watch out for is 
the chain restaurant. In the US there are restaurant chains for 
Italian and Tex-Mex cuisines. The food they serve is passable, but 
can't be compared to the "real" stuff. So watch out for them!

There's also a regionalism in the US. Some regions are known for 
certain foods/dishes. The best bagels are found in New York City, 
according to bagel fans. I was in California about 7 years ago and 
they had something they called a 'bagel', but was an unworthy 
imitation.  A Chesapeake Bay Crab Cake in Iowa is in no way comparable 
to what is made in the Chesapeake Bay area (believe me!). Again, 
within these regions there are establishments that are known for their 
version of a regional speciality. The ethnic neighborhoods often have 
good restaurants. Some of the best Chinese food I've ever had has been 
in New York City's China Town. But again, the locals know which 
restaurant is the best.

Another thing is that if you ask for sauces ,butter, dressings on the 
side, most restaurants will comply.  Most waiters can tell you how 
dish is prepared (broiled, fried, braised) and don't mind if you ask. 
  

Health food and healthy food are different. Health food turns up 
images of tofu, wheat germ, bran, alfalfa sprouts, etc. Healthy food 
is anything that is prepared in a manner to result in low fat, low 
refined sugar, fresh tasting food. Unfortunately, the line between 
them is often blurred. 

A friend of mine once told me that if you see Chinese people eating in 
a Chinese restaurant, then that's the place to eat. Ask the locals and 
they'll usually tell you where a good place is.

:-)Milz