The Restaurant: Salads and Entrées

Throughout the week, Latin Americans don’t dine out much–they may grab a taco for lunch or sit at a fonda-type counter for a soup, but you won’t see a lot of full-service tables packed on a Tuesday night. Grabbing a quick bite to eat is an everyday occurrence, but truly dining out-with family and friends in a restaurant, with a menu and a waiter–is not. You don’t go out to dinner for sustenance; you have dinner at home, with your family. Part of the reason is economic–dining out costs more. But a larger reason is just plain cultural: A meal is really about family and intimacy, and you get these at home. Even if you’re short on time, it’s much more common to get something to go than to go out.