The pressure was on when choosing what to do for Sébastien's first day on Long Island. Séb has been to Manhattan several times and while we will certainly venture out on the LIRR to meet up with friends and to show him where I actually grew up and where I was born (sorry to disappoint, I'm not a real Long Island girl!), I wanted to spend the first few days tranquil chez maman while he adjusts to New York time.
Staying somewhat local, I took him to the authentic 1950's soda shop Hildebrandt's (as seen on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives) in "ye village" of Williston Park where we sat at the counter for homemade ice cream and coke (not coca light!). "This is what HD Diner is trying to be!" he exclaimed in delight. Yes, HD Diner (HD as in Happy Days) the chain of American diners in Paris that supplement the stereotype that fine American cuisine does not exist and that we live solely on burgers and fries. Let in be known that my appreciation for a good hamburger started in Paris.
Hildebrandt's on the other hand is the real deal! We felt like we were in a timewarp back to a 'simpler time'. Even the clean-cut 21 year old server, looks and almost acts as if we are in 1957 with his dimples, hair calic and small-town charm. We were sold on the American Dream until he shared with us that on the weekends he plays lead guitar in a Sepultura cover band...
The first day on L.I was a success, now I'm off to share the ultimate American experience...the supermarket, to show him how it's really done.
Freshly handmade mint and peach ice cream
Séb's eyes widened when he saw this...The French would starve if there was no dinner after 8:15! 
