BREAKING: A Boston father has taken social media by storm after attempting to order a classic American dish—Olive Garden’s chicken parmigiana—while vacationing in Florence, Italy. The moment, captured on TikTok by his daughter, Gabby Donahue, has amassed over 5.6 million views within hours of being posted.
In a hilarious turn of events, Bob Donahue, 60, approached a local waiter with a photo of the dish, hoping to satisfy his craving for his favorite meal. The waiter’s bewildered reaction quickly became the highlight of the video. “I don’t know what it is,” he replied, examining the image. Initially horrified, he later remarked, “On the pasta? No, that’s horrible,” before quickly adding, “No, that looks good.”
Bob, unfazed by the confusion, joked, “I tell you what, I’m gonna mail you some. I’ll send it to you.” This lighthearted exchange not only showcases the cultural differences between American and Italian cuisine but also highlights a father-daughter bonding moment that resonated with viewers worldwide.
Gabby explained to Newsweek that her father, who regularly orders chicken parmigiana in the United States—described on Olive Garden’s website as “two lightly fried parmesan-breaded chicken breasts with our homemade marinara and melted Italian cheeses” —expected to find the ultimate version during his Italian adventure. “I expected maybe it would get a good laugh out of some Boston peeps but did not expect it to go so viral,” Gabby stated.
The internet has erupted with reactions, with users sharing their own experiences of cultural shocks while traveling in Europe. One commenter noted, “I learned at my trip to Italy chicken Alfredo is an American dish.” Many others focused on the waiter’s reaction, with one user quipping, “He just looks understandably horrified.”
This viral moment is not isolated; it reflects a broader trend where American tourists frequently encounter cultural misunderstandings abroad. Recently, a debate raged online when Americans expressed shock over the availability of drinkable tap water in Europe, only to be met with responses from locals highlighting the regions where tap water is perfectly safe.
Another American woman shared her surprise at European café hours, discovering that most don’t open until at least 9 a.m. for coffee. Additionally, a couple faced their own cultural misstep when they sat down for dinner in Portugal at 6 p.m., only to find the restaurant empty, as locals typically dine much later.
This incident serves as a reminder of the humorous and often enlightening experiences travelers can have when exploring different cultures. As more viewers flock to Gabby’s TikTok video, it’s clear that Bob Donahue’s innocent attempt to order a taste of home has struck a chord, generating laughter and conversation across social media platforms.
What happens next? Travelers and foodies alike will likely continue to share their own culinary adventures, bridging cultural gaps with humor and understanding. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
