Paris, as always, is swarming with Americans, and these days, it's also swarming with hamburgers. Oddly, though, it's not typically the Americans who are pursuing the perfect burger on the perfect bun with the obligatory side of perfect coleslaw; the Americans are pursuing the perfect blanquette de veau.
This quote humorously highlights the cultural contrasts and culinary pursuits of Americans abroad, especially in a city like Paris renowned for its culinary heritage. It suggests that while Americans may be in Paris seeking familiar comfort foods like hamburgers and coleslaw, they are also intrigued by and interested in authentic French cuisine—specifically the classic blanquette de veau, a traditional veal stew. The observation underscores the blending and clashing of cultural identities through food, revealing how tourists and expatriates navigate their culinary cravings versus authentic experiences. It prompts reflection on how food serves as a bridge between cultures and a marker of identity, illustrating that even in a foreign land, the pursuit of comfort and authenticity coexists in unexpected ways.
