I rarely post photos of myself simply because I'm normally the one behind the camera. This leads to a lot of confusion when I meet people in person. Somewhere along the way I must have joked that I was a 6 foot giant . Maybe with my hands extended?
This photo stems out of a joke on Facebook. Craig's company holiday was on Friday. Since I was on my own, I posted that I felt like going for a car ride. I asked friends for suggestions. My friend John from Chicago was first in with a joke, Outback Steakhouse. Little did he know, the American chain has actually made it's way to Sydney. Conversation shifted course. People asked about it. I'd never been. We fixed that Saturday night.
Yesterday, folks, I went to the Outback.
Here's my review for those who are curious:
On John Zmaczynski's suggestion, today we ate at Outback Steakhouse in North Strathfield. There is something strangely ironic about eating in an American food chain named after an Australian region while in Sydney. It's been over a decade since I last visited one, so I have little in the way of comparison. From memory though, it's much the same as the US version. Manny, the US manager, assures me its the same.
As we walked in Craig Gunson asked, 'Is this an American restaurant? It looks like an American place.' It must have been the didgeridoos on the wall that gave it away. I don't think I've seen a didgeridoo on a wall ever in my eight years in Australia. Aside from my citizenship ceremony, I honestly can't remember the last time I saw a didgeridoo in Sydney aside from tourist shops.
The food was good, laden with a bucket of butter at each step. The signature Bloomin' Onion starter had me skeptical. The oversized plate it was served on diminished it's impact. It tasted good though. I had prime rib. Craig threw state pride aside and ordered the Victoria filet. He was happy. My favourite part was the baked sweet potato drowned in honey butter and cinnamon.
We left full and happy, feeling a bit wacky after our cross-cultural experience.
A review of an Outback Steakhouse, North Strathfield by Amy Gunson, age 38.
That's hilarious! I've eaten at an Outback Steakhouse (in Canada) and it's true, it is your typical American "themed" chain restaurant. I was actually wondering how Aussies felt about it and if there was anything about it that actually resembled Australian culture. Must have been surreal for you, having seen the other side...
ReplyDeleteI had a bizarre visit to the Great Canadian Bagel in Moscow. Turns out, in Russia, they serve liquor, salad and hot meals, and they have table service. These things do not exist in the original versions of our simple bagel shop! It was tricky to decide what wine to order with a cinnamon raisin bagel with strawberry cream cheese... :-)
American hubby and I go there when we want American food in an American-style place. Hey, anywhere with free softdrink refills is ok with me!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind if Applebees, Ruby Tuesdays and Chilis all migrated here! (Chilis was here but now gone) We live right by a Sizzler, but we won't eat there.
When I ate at an Outback Steakhouse (in either Phoenix or Albuquerque) the staff members were genuinely surprised that I had never heard of or seen a Bloomin' Onion in Australia. I doubt they have ever recovered!
ReplyDeleteHeh, yes, America seem to have a knack for theme restaurants that are nothing like the place they're theming on :oD Still, they can be fun anyway, if a little wacky in their interpretations!
ReplyDeletewhenever i hear the outback steakhouse ads here, i wonder if Australians are offended by them. the announcer is so grating that i'm kind of offended in the name of Australians everywhere. i've never stepped foot in one of the restaurants, but your 6 ft tall photo in front of one does bring a smile to my face.
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