You can take a person out of Britain, but you cannot take Britain out of the person - particularly when it comes to food and drink. When the Pilgrims left England bound for the Brave New World of America, you can quite imagine how shocked they must have been to find that Plymouth Rock supermarkets were all out of Jaffa Cakes.
But then things haven't changed all that much in 400 years. British people still have a hard time accepting the fact that America - a country that is decidedly not Britain - could possess a seeming lack of British food and drink. There are whole internet forums and Facebook groups devoted to such things. Mental.
And this wouldn't be so ridiculous, of course, where it not for the fact that British food and drink is actually quite easy to find stateside - so long as you know where to look. A good place to start would be the American Midwest, which - among other things - has the following food and drink items stocked on the shelves of some its finer establishments.
1. Heinz Baked Beans
Jungle Jim's International Store is my personal salvation.
2. Newcastle Brown Ale
Newcastle Brown on tap in most British-style pubs.
3. Cadbury Chocolate Bars
Available at Jungle Jim's International Store, Ohio.
Available at Jungle Jim's International Store, Ohio.
4. Various Soft Drinks
Available at Jungle Jim's International Store, Ohio.
5. Twiglets
Available at Jungle Jim's International Store, Ohio. The best purchase anyone can make in the wonderful state of Ohio. #britishfood
Available at Jungle Jim's International Store, Ohio. The best purchase anyone can make in the wonderful state of Ohio.
6. Jammie Dodgers
Available at Jungle Jim's International Store, Ohio.. #britishfood
Available at Jungle Jim's International Store, Ohio...
7. Old Speckled Hen etc.
Purchased at the World Market, Indiana.
8. Rice Pudding
Ambrosia rice pudding is the actual breakfast of champions. Available at Meijer.
9. British Tea
British tea is surprisingly easy to find. Especially at Jungle Jim's International Store, Ohio.
10. Cream Crackers
At the World Market in Carmel, Indiana.
Sometimes, it's better hearing me in a British accent. Subscribe to me on YouTube.
I'm in Missouri, and I've found quite a few of these. And surprise, I found Branston pickle at a local supermarket, in their liquor/world flavo(u)rs section. None of the tomato/pepper relish, sadly, though I'm sure they could order it for me. They just recently got Heinz Salad Cream (someone requested it). :)
ReplyDeleteAnd British cheese and Irish butter has become ubiquitous, even at Walmart. Though I prefer to buy mine at Aldi. Yes, we have that too!
You can get PG tips (my go to) at most grocery stores here in the Kansas City Metro area (HyVee, Walmart, and etc.) You have to look at the area specialty stores (Brits, Queens Pantry) for the better stuff (Yorkshire tea, Barry's). With all the great teas available I no longer have to drink Liptons!
ReplyDeleteNYC's Greenwich Village is a great place for British expats looking for British food. There is Myers of Keswick at 634 Hudson St, NYC:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VEClmVDMHw
There is also at 108 Greenwich Avenue, Tea and Sympathy (restaurant), Carry On Tea & Sympathy (the annex store next to the restaurant), and A Salt & Battery (fish and chip shop):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X9-JDHXdxQ