Big Mick "I am amazed at Americans that expect to use US currency instead of Canadian." - yet you still wonder why I ask the question (not make a statement) why people are amazed to see Americans treated as cultural imperialists, when it is plain that many Americans do expect just that. I think it is you who should feel rebuffed.

I do not copy Americans. Some here have fallen victim to American cultural imperialism.

I gather that Helen Kirwan-Taylor writes for the Daily Mail. That suggests she is only marginally more coherent (if at all) than a cuckoo clock.

Thanks all for your accolades to my confident assertions. The benefit of a public school education. If you have a candidate for cheeses better than the French, do please set them out. I like very rare steak, but other than that, what has American cuisine to offer? I have been dined there by film people, in New York and LA, and been underwhelmed (as I am by American wine, and the American habit of non-alcoholic lunches). In Paris on business I have had some fine meals, but I have had three shocks.

First the assiette des fromages at Fouquettes (corner of Avenue George V, has a reputation)was not up to expectations. Second the food at the George V was bland. Third, I once rashly let a barrister order the wine (for a client's account, I am happy to say) at Fouquettes and the bottle was over GBP 500!