BREAKING: A Boston father has taken social media by storm after attempting to order an American classic—Olive Garden’s chicken parmigiana—while vacationing in Florence, Italy. The humorous incident, captured by his daughter Gabby Donahue, has amassed over 5.6 million views on TikTok, captivating audiences worldwide.
In a moment that many are calling priceless, Bob Donahue, 56, showcased a photo of the dish to a waiter, only to be met with confusion. “I don’t know what it is,” the waiter said, inspecting the image. His reaction quickly turned to surprise as he exclaimed, “On the pasta? No, that’s horrible,” before reconsidering and adding, “No, that looks good.” Bob, unfazed by the bewildered response, joked, “I tell you what, I’m gonna mail you some. I’ll send it to you.”
Gabby, who now lives in New York City, explained that her father’s love for chicken parmigiana has always been apparent. It’s a staple on menus at Italian restaurants across the United States, where it is described as “two lightly fried parmesan-breaded chicken breasts with our homemade marinara and melted Italian cheeses. Served with a side of spaghetti.” Bob believed his Italian vacation would offer the ultimate version of his favorite meal, but the waiter’s lack of familiarity with the dish left both amused and perplexed.
The viral video has sparked widespread reactions online, with viewers chiming in on the cultural differences. One commenter noted, “I learned at my trip to Italy chicken Alfredo is an American dish,” while others highlighted the waiter’s astonished expression. “He was speechless and that’s like impossible for Italians,” remarked one viewer, while another added, “He just looks understandably horrified.”
This incident has resonated with many viewers who have experienced similar culture shocks while traveling abroad. Last year, a debate erupted online when Americans complained about the lack of “drinkable water” in Europe, only to be met with locals clarifying that many places have safe tap water. Another American woman recounted her surprise at cafes not opening until 9 a.m. for coffee, and a couple in Portugal learned the hard way that dining at 6 p.m. is far too early for European standards.
The exchange between Bob and the waiter encapsulates the humorous and often surprising cultural differences that can arise during international travel. As this story continues to trend online, it serves as a reminder of the joy and laughter that comes from sharing experiences across different cultures.
Stay tuned for more updates as this viral moment unfolds, and share your own travel stories that highlight the delightful surprises of exploring new places.