New World Cuisine

A few weeks ago, I was skimming through one of those free daily papers they hand out at metro stations when I stumbled across an article about the fast-food strikes in the US. It began: "The cornerstone of American gastronomy, fast food..." Then I stopped reading.
“The French can be so frustrating,” I thought to myself. It’s so widely accepted that French cuisine is some of the best in the world, but few people discuss how “out of touch and old-fashioned” it can be. And sure, fast-food was developed in the United States, a country built on the values of customer service, convenience, and efficiency... but it’s not our primary contribution to the gastronomic world. It's insulting to declare otherwise. I’m not even trying to be a food snob about it; though I realize my dad’s low opinions of McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and KFC (all places of which I was once thrilled to dine at—what a treat!) have obviously affected me.
It saddens me (1) that fast food is the most readily available and oftentimes cheapest option for so many Americans, and (2) that the world often translates this as choice and preference, without any mention of our diverse cultural productions like chile con carne, bourbon balls, clam chowder, barbecue, grits, gumbo, and even frozen custard. Perhaps Americans haven’t always developed the healthiest ways of cooking and eating, but you cannot say we haven’t gotten creative, and at the origins of "American gastronomy", with very few resources. Clearly being abroad has made me increasingly more defensive on our behalf. I can't even help it.
Stepping down from my podium now :), I’d like to introduce you to one of recent American-ish arrivals to the Parisian food scene, Le Déppaneur. It’s where Lorelei, Rachael, and I spent our last girls night. Opened by Cantine California, a food truck serving San Francisco-inspired cuisine, it’s a beautiful space that crosses the natural elements and minimalist design of Southern California with a diner-like exterior. We couldn’t have felt more “at home.” I don't doubt my delicious tequila cocktail helped the cause as well.
The menu, though short, is complete with guacamole, tacos, burgers, and cheesecake. Unfortunately, with so much homegrown potential, I was left unsatisfied. My plate of chicken tacos with black beans was incredibly under-spiced and the carrot cake was far heartier than I’d like any dessert to be. In the future, I think I’ll leave Mexican to my favorite venues and come back for the cocktails. Maybe the burgers, too—it’s always fun to taste how trendy, Parisian chefs innovate the staple of American barbecues.