Caymen, I was trying to start a conversation, not a debate. Yes, your comments were "Seinfeld-like" funny (Do you think a Mexican can ever order seltzer in a restaurant?)
Anyway, my point was that I have observed what I assume to be typical Chinese folk eating and they don't seem to favor the large portions of meat and sweet, gooey sauces at your typical American Chinese restaurant.
I didn't say Chinese food was bland. I simply pointed out that when I have observed Asian employees in my local Chinese restaurants (local as in Philly area and NY) breaking for a meal the same is always the case...they eat lots of rice, a little meat, and no sauces.
That's not to say that there isn't other types of food. I was simply conversing on my observations. China is a big place with many regional variations in food. I am sure they offer non-bland items.
P.S. Given that I work in high-tech, I also have had an oppty to work with many Asian-Americans. They often bring in tupperware lunches, and its of the type I describe. I have even talked to them about the general differences between the way they eat and what we view as the typical American Chinese food.
They say the same thing:
"It's the fat American diet and tastes that have added all the gooey, sweet sauces to things, and provided gargantuan meat portions."
As I said, they bring in a big tupperware bowl filled with rice, and the top has some green vegetables (steamed) and a couple of small pieces of meat (often steamed too).
Very common...I see it all the time...for those working in the restaurants, and those that make good cash working in IT.
TJR
