What to eat California? culinary specialties and gastronomy

In the United States, we dine early: it is rare to find restaurants open after 10 pm. Moreover, it is often necessary to make reservations.

The price range is quite wide. If tacos, hot-dogs and other street-food specialties cost only a few dollars, a lunch in a restaurant or a small cosy café will quickly approach 20 dollars, including the tip and taxes. As for the very good restaurants, they start at 40 US$. Wherever you eat, the plates are often copious: don't forget the doggy bags if you can't finish.

Here, not tipping is extremely frowned upon: when you order, bear in mind that you'll probably be leaving an extra 10% to 15% of the bill as a tip. Similarly, taxes are rarely included in menu prices. They vary from state to state, and even from county to county. In April 2022, for example, they were 9.5% in Los Angeles, 7.75% in San Diego and 8.5% in Sonoma. See their evolution here: www.cdtfa.ca.gov.

The United States is famous for Taco Tuesday: every Tuesday, many Mexican restaurants offer happy-hour deals on their tacos. Another local speciality, particularly well-established on the West Coast, is the Farmers Markets, a succession of stalls that liven up the streets of certain neighborhoods every week. From Lebanese to Italian specialties, you'll find tasty international cuisine prepared with local produce.

Children are welcome, as the locals themselves go to restaurants with their families - sometimes without worrying too much about the noise made by their children. The dishes are rarely spicy, so even untrained palates will find something to enjoy.

As in France, smoking is prohibited in restaurants.

As everywhere, some restaurants that claim to be "authentic" are far from it. It's easy to recognize them: for example, an "Italian" establishment whose menu reads "pastas"... when you know that this word doesn't exist in their language.

Cafés and tearooms close quite early in the American West. Typically, they open in the morning until around 5 p.m., and lend themselves equally well to breakfast and snacks. As well as a few travelers with a book, they're mainly populated by digital nomads at work and groups of friends enjoying a moment of conviviality.

As for the bars, they close around midnight. Whatever the city, they are busiest from Thursday onwards.

In the U.S., it's hard to find really cheap places to eat - especially as the tipping policy is the same as in restaurants. However, you can save money by opting for a batch brew, coffee served in a large cup, just like at home, with most establishments offering refillsfor just two or three dollars.

A pint of beer usually costs US$8, and a good cocktail around US$15. While some bars offer happy hours, these are often very restrictive in terms of timetables.

In the United States, it is forbidden for young people under 21 to consume alcohol, whether they are alone or accompanied. This law is taken very seriously, so much so that waiters and waitresses systematically ask to see the identity papers of their customers, as soon as there is any doubt about their age.

The American West is full of delicious donut bars. However, beware: if you think they are tea rooms, they are usually small stores similar to bakeries. So make sure you have a place to sit and enjoy your purchases.

As in all enclosed areas intended for public use, smoking is prohibited in cafés and bars, except on the terrace.