Paris follows American food truck trends

Posted on Tuesday 05 June 2012 in France, Paris

By Sophia Choice

In an attempt to combat the less-than-appealing stereotype as a "restauration rapide" (fast food) culture, Americans have eagerly introduced the concept of food trucks into the elegant city of Paris, France. In a region where French fries are anything but a true representation of the locale, the idea of mobile eateries with an American influence seemed rather far-fetched and unlikely to launch its way into success.

To the surprise of nay-sayers, businesses such as Cantine California and Le Camion Qui Fume are flourishing on French streets, showcasing the more elegant side of American cuisine in a trendy, or "tres Brooklyn," style of serving, as young Parisians call it, according to The New York Times. After taking flights to Paris, Kiwis can simply step out onto the streets and track down the nearest mobile bistro.

Permission granted for authentic American fare

A term that signifies a combination of informality, creativity and quality, tres Brooklyn is exactly what food trucks have become to the eyes of the city's youth. A generation obsessed with the food scene in New York and the laid-back culture of California, "hipsters" tend to line up in front of trucks like Le Camion Que Fume, or The Smoking Truck, which is owned by California native Kristin Frederick, who graduated from culinary school in the European city.

"It's against my religion to wait for a burger," customer Guillaume Farges told The New York Times as he stood in a line that began forming at 5:30 p.m., although the truck didn't open until 7. "But for this one, I make an exception."

Burgers, tacos and fries, oh my

While the classic American burger - with a gourmet twist - is a favourite of Smoking Truck visitors, the soft taco, with succulent pork carnitas and Mexican-imported chipotles in adobo, is the prized winner at the mobile eatery, Cantine California. With a side of fresh-cut organic fries, Kiwis, local residents of Paris and other visitors from around the world will have successfully entered the world of a true American citizen.

Luckily for Kiwis visiting the French metropolis, they won't have to aimlessly drive their Paris car hire hundreds of miles away from their Paris hotels in search of one of these high-demand food trucks. Following bureaucratic regulations, the pop-up bistros don't roam through various neighbourhoods - each is assigned certain market areas and specific days throughout the week, typically listed on the food truck's website.

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