27 October 2013

The American Dream Diner

The other night, I was invited to dinner with friends at a restaurant called The American Dream.


A little skeptical as to what this restaurant would be like, I wasn't sure how to anticipate this experience. But in the end I was quite impressed.

In the neighborhood Paquis, there are hundreds of ethnic restaurant from countries all over the world. It'd only make sense it Geneva to create a "foreign" American diner! The restaurant is located on the bottom floor of the American Market, where you can purchase classic American foods and ingredients that you may not be able to find in a local store otherwise.

When you first walk in, you are stricken by the black and white checkered flooring, long sit-down bar, red booths, and 50-60s music playing in the background.


It immediately brought a smile upon my face to see how well done the restaurant owners created the classic 50's diner.

The menu is all classic American food from hamburgers, onion rings, cheese sticks, hot dogs, chili con carne, caesar salad, milkshakes, and imported Budweiser.



The waitress was cute, but a true French girl. Slight disappointment from my side. Perhaps I was hoping for a chatty Southern Belle.

We ordered our food. Everyone got their own hamburger favorite, a large coke, and around the table we shared two orders of fries.


I ordered the classic with everything on it.



The hamburgers were delicious. Quality meat, fresh buns, and crunchy lettuce and onions. But they were huge. I could have easily shared mine and been full.

The fries were thick, warm, and perfectly salty. However, the table barely was able finish our two bowls of fries since the hamburgers were so filling.


The milkshakes looked delicious, but at 9 to 11 francs a piece, way overpriced. I opted out to order one for myself.



After finishing the meal, we visited the American Market. Two full rows of classic junk food, cheap pre-made meals, and ingredients that would be otherwise impossible to find for an American recipe in a different grocery store. Obviously it is a bit overpriced due to import pricing and large margins, but if I was ever in a pinch for a home craving it's good to now I'll be sure to find it at the American Market!





Everyone who was looking around the market were smiling and excited to purchase the unique American brands. I know for sure I'll be going back soon to buy some Betty Crocker icing!