Crepe's

Growing up on "The Shore" the fanciest restaurant that I was exposed to for many years was The Creperie (La Creperie for those franophones out there). Who could argue with a thin crepe, cooked to a golden brown and filled with wondrous delights such as bananas and chocolate, then drenched with pure maple syrup. My mouth just waters at the idea, and as I write this I'm reminded of the aroma that envelopes you when you walk through the door. Many birthday and celebratory dinners were shared at this cozy restaurant, but it didn't have to be an occasion just an after church lunch would suffice. The meal would start with an assiette crudite (raw vegetables with a yummy sauce drizzled over top) eaten as you watched for your orders to come up on the griddle. Yes, you could watch as the cook skillfully poured, smoothed, and folded each crepe that was made at the open griddle at the centre of the restaurant. Most kids/teenagers would probably succumb to one of the 'dessert' crepes on the list (Mom, you mean I can have strawberries and ice cream for a meal?), but for some reason my favorite was the fromage, asperge, et bechamel. I can't remember the last time I ate there, it has been at least five years. I can remember the general experience with exquisite detail, right down to the floral wallpaper in the 'old section' and the hot chocolate served in bowls.

Last week for dinner I was having a block as to what to cook. Not much in the house but it was too cold (or I was just too lazy) to bundle Malcolm up and walk to the grocery store. Earlier in the week I bought asparagus and had some left over. I had in my mind to make a roast with crispy potatoes and asparagus with a cream sauce on the weekend. As I settled on Pancakes for supper (we had lots of bacon left) and started up the stairs to get things going out of the blue I was reminded of my favorite meal at The Creparie. So I did it. I have never made a crepe or bechamel sauce in my life but it turned out very well in my opinion, not quite restaurant caliber but a good home made substitution.