Yippee, leave of absence to travel...

<big snip>

<g> I enjoyed reading that even though I don't plan to visit the USA.

 

I do have to accept that the Morton's just off Union Sq, SF, where
I've eten a couple of times now, is very good indeed. Not only the
food, but the service, which is not typical in-your-face "is
everything all right Sir" style, and their attitude that the customer
is always right.

But I think their steak was from Argentina...

 

LOL![1]



[1] <irony></irony>

 

The "service" is usually the worst part.

Nowt wrong with either of them, if you get the real stuff.

I don't complain about not getting them here; this is a discussion
about the US, remember?

 

There are certainly some nice ones around Denver[1] and they are
becoming more widespread. They are definitely very drinkable,
high-quality even, and if it's hot and/or I'm in "holiday" mode then a
cool, refreshing microbrew beer is lovely.

However, in the overall scheme of things, they're not a patch on a
proper English cask conditioned ale.


[1] Or were - it was a long time ago.

 

Dunno. But "outstanding" is entirely subjective. I've not found many
that I'd actively seak out, although as I say 'some' of it is
acceptable, on occasion.

But only if you can pursuade them not to pour it into a glass straight
from the freezer, even when it's close to freezing point in the first
place. I want to fucking _taste_ the beer, you morons!

 

IMHO the best steak still comes from the East of Scotland.

 

I've been within spitting distance of the Grand Canyon on three
separate occasions now, and I've *still* never been.

I've seen the Copper Canyon[1] though!

[1] "The overall canyon system is larger and portions are deeper than
the Grand Canyon in the neighboring United States"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_Canyon

 

Not the same but just as nice to drink though shirly.

Have you been to the Porterhouse, Dublin
www.porterhousebrewco.com
An oasis in an island devoid of drinkable beer

 

I've been to the one in Covent Garden. A lot of my mates love it, but
I haven't found a single draught beer in there that I like the taste
of, so I usually give it a wide berth.

 

Lassan Volcanic park.
Crater Lake

 

Its like riding in Europe, different side of the road, excpet in MPH
Oh, and stupidly small gallons.

 

I'll admit I've never eaten in CH, but compared to the pathetic excuse
of 'service' that I have experienced in other European countries,
including the UK, I find it difficult to see what you dislike about US
service.

Unless of course you've been eating in chain restaurants where the
server may as well sit at your table and save themselves all the
walking to check "is everything alright" every 5 minutes. Not that I
don't appreciate why they do this, and if they didn't do this to their
American clientele, they'd be flat broke.

I've had "the real stuff" and neither are particularly nice in my opinion.

Unless you've moved, I didn't say you did.

 

A long, long way east and north of California.

 

I must admit I've found the service in the US generally to be over the
top. I prefer what you might call good-UK-level.

 

The you should stop talking....

He's a British Passport holder - we enjoy reciprocal rights with the
US, which means not much in the way of fucking around once you have
either visa waiver, or a visitor visa status. Funnily enough, just like
you're having in Europe right now.

Similarly, I don't recall many "one way" bike rental services, which
means either round trip, or large fees.

You can't be limiting your list to California, which means you've missed out:

Olympic National Park (one of the few northern hemispehere rain forests).
Crater Lake National Park
any of the forests with giant trees
any/all of the Utah based NP's.

and that's before you start digging down to some of the smaller more
subjective places.

+1 or find some locals.

+1 If only for the Jellyfish.....

Some of the other Canyon roads are also worthy of detouring -
Mulholland Highway starting at Leo Carillo State Park (not the same
road as Mulholland Drive, although they do meet).
Decker Road - which has, laughably, Highway status. (H23).
Latigo Canyon Road
Piuma Road

Avoid: Topanga Canyone Road, Malibu Canyone Road, Kanan Dume Road
unless you specifically want to ride on busy roads with cops a plenty,
but be able to say "I've been there" when watching movies and TV
commercials.

 

It's over the top when you're used to poorer levels of service[1],
although in decent US places it's not so in your face as the chains.


[1] as an example, those awkward minutes you spend trying to get the
waiter/waitress's attention because you'd really like another round of
drinks, or the bill.

 

snip

Loads of info, thanks. Im thinking of Dec+Jan. Ive been assured that
it wont be too hot in California. Might be too cold to cross thr
Rockies though?

 

I find being fawned over by some young slim impossibly cute African American
girl student a rather pleasant experience.
Mostly in Atlanta.

 

Well yes. I get teased about my criteria for deciding tip sizes.