Americans and Canadians culture Q&A Thread.

[prairie_girl]

Not trying to. I love history, particularly North American history. The wiki links were just to try to back up my point. I know they’re aren’t the best at times but it was just the quickest source I could find. I find the term mansplaining a condescending insult though.

This is the last thing I'll say to this topic, because this has been a fun thread and I don't want to be part of the reason it gets shut down, but imagine it from our side. You are posting links that (don't) explain our history to us. We know already. It's a lot easier to have a conversation without link after link thrown in.

 

[ronandannette]

No, just Costco.
i go there when I’m in Florida or Jersey

Don't you have some version of the Real Canadian Superstore (Loblaws)? That's the big-box budget grocer out here. Generally less-expensive than Sobeys or Safeway, two other national chains. There are also a number of regional/local grocers here in Alberta but they're more expensive yet again.

 

[Buzz Rules]

This is the last thing I'll say to this topic, because this has been a fun thread and I don't want to be part of the reason it gets shut down, but imagine it from our side. You are posting links that (don't) explain our history to us. We know already. It's a lot easier to have a conversation without link after link thrown in.

Thanks.

 

[SirDuff]

No, I find the differences interesting. As someone who is half Canadian I embrace the differences. I posted the Google information because in 64 years I had never thought about why Canadian Bacon is called Canadian bacon, it just is. Now we both know it is a different cut of pork than bacon or ham. Don't know if the thread is serious, just interesting.

WE (everyone apparently but you and, maybe, Buzz) already knew what it was - hence the name BACK bacon. It doesn’t answer your question though of why American’s (and only American’s) call it Canadian bacon.

So, still not sure what your Google search was meant so show. It kind of goes with the point above - we don’t need you (or Buzz) to explain Canada to us.

 

[SirDuff]

I know about the lb, it’s odd, then when we get to the store and it’s in kilo, so bizarre, but it is what it is.

No, Quebec we are special, and not in a good way. On that list we have very very few. Metro is very rich for my blood, lol, great meat, but the most $$ store we have.

I’ve always just assumed because it looks cheaper. As in, the price of one pound of something is cheaper than the price of one kilo of it - even though for the same amount, you’ll actually pay the same price.

I know it took me a bit to get my head around pricing when I moved to Europe from the US (though I live in one of the most expensive cities in the world, so it wasn’t just the lbs to kgs making it *look* more expensive ).

 

[mommasita]

Don't you have some version of the Real Canadian Superstore (Loblaws)? That's the big-box budget grocer out here. Generally less-expensive than Sobeys or Safeway, two other national chains. There are also a number of regional/local grocers here in Alberta but they're more expensive yet again.

At one point we had Loblaws, no longer, but it was no big box budget cutter. ooh boy, the opposite.$$$ They are all Provigo now. i loved going to Loblaws at first, the lay out, the clothing etc. then I realized I was WAY, LIKE WAY overspending it was nuts.
I will stick my Maxi, they even price match, I go to giant tiger for odd and ends, specific bread I like, fruits etc. They also price match. And Saturday‘s I head to Pharmaprix (Shoppers drug), as they have great weekend specials. Plus points

 

[E&Cmom]

At one point we had Loblaws, no longer, but it was no big box budget cutter. ooh boy, the opposite.$$$ They are all Provigo now. i loved going to Loblaws at first, the lay out, the clothing etc. then I realized I was WAY, LIKE WAY overspending it was nuts.
I will stick my Maxi, they even price match, I go to giant tiger for odd and ends, specific bread I like, fruits etc. They also price match. And Saturday‘s I head to Pharmaprix (Shoppers drug), as they have great weekend specials. Plus points

Do you still have Super C? I remember when they were Super Carnival when I was a teen.

 

[Buzz Rules]

WE (everyone apparently but you and, maybe, Buzz) already knew what it was - hence the name BACK bacon. It doesn’t answer your question though of why American’s (and only American’s) call it Canadian bacon.

So, still not sure what your Google search was meant so show. It kind of goes with the point above - we don’t need you (or Buzz) to explain Canada to us.

For the last time, I wasn’t trying to explain Canada to Canadians. I was trying to back up my historical point with some sources and not stating anywhere that Canadians don’t know their country’s history. I’ve also apologized if it came across that way. The Canadian bacon question is interesting because in most places across the USA, people just assume it’s a form of ham. Clearly there are forms of bacon (under different names that Americans weren’t aware of) that Canadians are accustomed to. I’m always open to learning something new but I shouldn’t be characterized as arrogant because I was trying to make a point. Many Americans are less traveled in the world than some of our allies’ citizens (due to monetary means or a lack of a desire to do so). So we learn about the world through school, news, and the internet. We have jokes about Canadians (with the best intentions) and I’m almost positive every Canadian knows a few about Americans. The point of this thread was meant to be fun and informative but it seems to have taken a turn by starting a conversation about pizza. I hope we can get back to that positive discussion.

 

[mommasita]

Do you still have Super C? I remember when they were Super Carnival when I was a teen.

Yes , we have Super C

 

[declansdad]

Don't you have some version of the Real Canadian Superstore (Loblaws)? That's the big-box budget grocer out here. Generally less-expensive than Sobeys or Safeway, two other national chains. There are also a number of regional/local grocers here in Alberta but they're more expensive yet again.

There are Real Atlantic Superstores (Loblaws) in Atlantic Canada but they are not like Costco, more like Sobeys. Sobeys and Loblaws are the only true national grocers, Safeway doesn't come past Thunder Bay Ontario. In fact, Sobeys owns Safeway Canada.

 

[ronandannette]

There are Real Atlantic Superstores (Loblaws) in Atlantic Canada but they are not like Costco, more like Sobeys. Sobeys and Loblaws are the only true national grocers, Safeway doesn't come past Thunder Bay Ontario. In fact, Sobeys owns Safeway Canada.

Yes, that’s correct. They still operate in western Canada under the two separate brand names but the products and pricing is almost identical. Loblaws now owns Shoppers Drug Mart too, which is kind of sad in some ways because many of the Life Brand products are now replaced with President’s Choice and it’s just one more way that retail options in Canada are disappearing.

Westfair (the Weston family/Loblaws) is a behemoth retailer and one of the largest privately-owned companies on earth. I wish they’d do something good for us and buy into Trader Joe’s. I’d LOVE to see those stores here.

 

[SirDuff]

There are Real Atlantic Superstores (Loblaws) in Atlantic Canada but they are not like Costco, more like Sobeys. Sobeys and Loblaws are the only true national grocers, Safeway doesn't come past Thunder Bay Ontario. In fact, Sobeys owns Safeway Canada.

Same with Loblaws in Ontario - not Costco like.

 

[NAB]

Do you guys have big box stores like BJ’s and Sam’s Club? That’s how some Americans save money on food.

We had a Sam’s club but it only lasted a couple of years. Was more expensive than Costco.

 

[Frozen Canuck]

I step away for ONE day and you guys go and have BOTH the ham & pineapple pizza AND the Canadian/American bacon debates???

I checked in this morning to find at least three or more pages added to this thread. At first, I wondered if something really exciting happened in the world of Canadian soccer, but I knew that couldn't be it. I was saddened to see that I had missed out on two of the greatest debates of all time, but suffice it to say, that @prairie_girl and @ronandannette (and likely others) did a pretty good job of responding to things in a way I was agreeing with often. I will forgive everyone this time, but make sure I get a head's up before the Smarties vs. Smarties/Rockets rolls out. I need to get my talking points in order.

Don't you have some version of the Real Canadian Superstore

NOTHING compares to The Real Canadian Superstore.

 

[ronandannette]

I step away for ONE day and you guys go and have BOTH the ham & pineapple pizza AND the Canadian/American bacon debates???

...make sure I get a head's up before the Smarties vs. Smarties/Rockets rolls out. I need to get my talking points in order.


NOTHING compares to The Real Canadian Superstore.

Not sure DIS foreign relations can survive a diplomatic crisis of that proportion just now. Probably safer to talk about something innocuous like vaccine/testing mandates at the land borders.

 

[Buzz Rules]

I step away for ONE day and you guys go and have BOTH the ham & pineapple pizza AND the Canadian/American bacon debates???

I checked in this morning to find at least three or more pages added to this thread. At first, I wondered if something really exciting happened in the world of Canadian soccer, but I knew that couldn't be it. I was saddened to see that I had missed out on two of the greatest debates of all time, but suffice it to say, that @prairie_girl and @ronandannette (and likely others) did a pretty good job of responding to things in a way I was agreeing with often. I will forgive everyone this time, but make sure I get a head's up before the Smarties vs. Smarties/Rockets rolls out. I need to get my talking points in order.


NOTHING compares to The Real Canadian Superstore.

The Canadian bacon mystery still hasn’t been settled yet, so I would love to know your theory on it.

Also, if I hurt any Canadian’s feelings, I am deeply sorry.

 

[Nora03]

Another food store we have here in Canada is very specialized, and in every neighbourhood. It’s called M & M Foods. They sell all frozen, already prepared meals, appetizers, vegetables, etc. it’s been a godsend for us during lockdown. Nice to have a meal that you just pop into the oven when you are not able to go to a restaurant and don’t feel like cooking. Is there anything like that in the U.S.? I’ve picked up a few frozen items in Publix when vacationing in Florida, but this store has rows and rows of freezers filled with boxes of food.

 

[ronandannette]

Another food store we have here in Canada is very specialized, and in every neighbourhood. It’s called M & M Foods. They sell all frozen, already prepared meals, appetizers, vegetables, etc. it’s been a godsend for us during lockdown. Nice to have a meal that you just pop into the oven when you are not able to go to a restaurant and don’t feel like cooking. Is there anything like that in the U.S.? I’ve picked up a few frozen items in Publix when vacationing in Florida, but this store has rows and rows of freezers filled with boxes of food.

Love M&M but they are actually very few and far between here in Calgary. Over the years it seems like most of the franchise locations have closed and only the corporate stores are left; none anywhere near me. I used to shop there a lot when it was handy but the flyers aren't delivered to my zone and I rarely think about making a special trip to one.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

Another food store we have here in Canada is very specialized, and in every neighbourhood. It’s called M & M Foods. They sell all frozen, already prepared meals, appetizers, vegetables, etc. it’s been a godsend for us during lockdown. Nice to have a meal that you just pop into the oven when you are not able to go to a restaurant and don’t feel like cooking. Is there anything like that in the U.S.? I’ve picked up a few frozen items in Publix when vacationing in Florida, but this store has rows and rows of freezers filled with boxes of food.

I love M&M for nights I don’t want to cook. I haven’t made scalloped potatoes since discovering theirs a few years ago.. they are excellent! Pair them with a gourmet or bistro style chicken breast or their meatloaf add some veggies and it’s a comfort food meal in under an hour.

 

[tvguy]

WE (everyone apparently but you and, maybe, Buzz) already knew what it was - hence the name BACK bacon. It doesn’t answer your question though of why American’s (and only American’s) call it Canadian bacon.

So, still not sure what your Google search was meant so show. It kind of goes with the point above - we don’t need you (or Buzz) to explain Canada to us.

Okay. Until this thread never had a reason to even question it. Just looking for answers from you and Google. All part of taking part in a Discussion Board.