The French claim to have the best food in the world, and, although my experience on the subject has been limited to two short trips, I admit I have had some really good food in Paris. But snails, stinky cheese and tripe can grow old after a while, especially the cheese. One of my most memorable meals was a good hamburger at an American-themed greasy spoon, but another of the world's greatest foods has been missing, not only in Paris but in Europe at large.
There is still hope, however, according to The New York Times article, [American Barbecue in Paris][1]. I don't place a lot of faith in the NYT food and travel writers, but there is aways hope that they, and French cooks, will get it right if they keep trying. ; > )