UPDATE: A Boston father has taken social media by storm after attempting to order an American classic—Olive Garden’s chicken parmigiana—while vacationing in Italy. This humorous moment, shared on TikTok by his daughter, Gabby Donahue, has already amassed over 5.6 million views.
The incident unfolded in Florence, where Bob Donahue, 56, approached a local waiter with high hopes of enjoying his favorite dish. However, the waiter was left puzzled, stating, “I don’t know what it is,” after inspecting the photo of the dish. The waiter’s reaction quickly turned to disbelief as he added, “On the pasta? No, that’s horrible,” before attempting to save face with, “No, that looks good.”
Bob laughed off the awkwardness, suggesting, “I tell you what, I’m gonna mail you some. I’ll send it to you.” His lighthearted response resonated with viewers, who appreciated the cultural clash. Gabby explained, “I expected maybe it would get a good laugh out of some Boston peeps but did not expect it to go so viral.”
As the clip continues to circulate, reactions have poured in. One viewer pointed out, “I learned at my trip to Italy chicken Alfredo is an American dish,” while another noted the waiter’s clear shock: “He just looks understandably horrified.” Comments like, “Bro remembered halfway through his disgust that he’s at work,” highlight the comic nature of the exchange.
This viral moment reflects a broader trend, where American tourists often face cultural surprises abroad. Last year, a heated online debate erupted over Americans’ claims about drinkable water availability in Europe, which locals countered with facts about safe tap water. Another viral clip featured a couple in Portugal, baffled by the emptiness of a restaurant after booking a 6:00 PM dinner, not realizing that dining times in Europe typically start much later.
Bob’s charming mix-up serves as a reminder of the humorous differences between American and Italian dining culture. As the clip continues to gain traction, it’s clear that moments like these resonate deeply, making us all reflect on our own travel experiences.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and don’t miss out on the laughter—share the video now!
