Photo by Ploynapat Tananuntiwat ()
The food in Europe is amazing — plain and simple. Fresh, organically grown produce, meat straight from the butcher, and breads and pastries baked daily. Eating out isn’t just a meal, but an experience to savor. As much as I adore trying out new cuisine and restaurants, there are times when the inevitable happens. The fast-foodie in me starts whispering rather loudly, and the cravings for a messy American-style burger kick in.
While I can usually curb the greasy hankerings with a quarter-pounder from McDonald’s, if we visit a city with some of our fast-food favorites from the States, odds are high that we’ll be eating there. Here are a few American chains you can take advantage of:
Five Guys Burger and Fries (throughout Europe and the Middle East)
I’m not ashamed to say that we have embarked on the European tour of Five Guys, trying out locations in Paris and London. The location on the Champs-Élysées in Paris is the largest in the world. With three floors of seating and a large number of employees churning out deliciousness, you’ll have your custom-made burger in no time. There are now restaurants throughout most of Europe and the Middle East. Although the food will make you feel like you are right back in the States, your pocketbook will feel it; prices are a quite a bit higher overseas.
Chipotle Mexican Grill (France, Germany and U.K.)
I’ll be honest … I love Chipotle. And although we’ve had the good fortune to live overseas three times, most of these locations are without the glorious barbacoa burritos and salted lime tortilla chips with fresh guacamole. Thankfully, the chain has expanded its operations to Europe. It just so happens there's a Chipotle in Frankfurt — a little over an hour from the Kaiserslautern area, and 30 minutes from Wiesbaden.
If you’re visiting Paris or London when the burrito cravings hit, this big-box burrito store has locations in both cities. Measuring in at a whopping 7,000 square feet, the Chipotle in La Défense (on the outskirts of Paris) is the world’s largest. While the tastes and topping choices are the same, like Five Guys, the prices will set your wallet back. A burrito at the locations in France and Germany is approximately 9 euros.
Shake Shack (U.K., Turkey, Middle East)
If Five Guys isn’t quite your scene, you may want to try Shake Shack. Known for its tantalizing burgers, flat-top dogs, crinkle-cut fries, and signature frozen custard and shakes, Shake Shack has another great spot for a juicy American-style burger. Food is made to order, but the lines are worth the wait. Be sure to save room for a concrete (frozen custard with a variety of toppings mixed in). If you’ve brought Fido with you, don’t fret. This burger joint has a few menu options for four-legged friends.
Although Europe is home to plenty Michelin-starred eateries and amazing regional cuisine, sometimes you just want a taste of home.
