Local fare - this one is for you, Dad

Last February, on the blower with Dad:

Me: "Dad, it looks like we will be moving to Doha in Qatar next month."

Dad: silence..... then "What will you do for food??"

Weeeeeell, what can I say, but that the US has exported its finest to Qatar. Seen at local malls in addition to your usual MickyD's and Starbucks are Hardees, Burger King, Cinnabon, Pizza Hut, even a Baskin Robbins for ice cream. Upscale restaurants include Applebee's and the one and only restaurant where staff proudly show off their flare and where your's truly worked as a hostess back in the day... TGI Friday's. Sadly, our Heart of it All Bob Evan's has yet to make it to the ME.

I am starting to understand why everyone is telling us to beware of puttin' on da poundage (yes, we both inhaled a burger and fries, nevertheless).

French readers, don't snicker: a Hippopotamus is scheduled to open imminently. A HUGE sign over the future restaurant boasts that the Hippo is "France's favorite steak house". Hmmmm. OU PAS!