A tasty French treat

A French delicacy that’s has been tingling the taste-buds for generations in Europe is now making a huge impact in the Middle East.

The Crêpe Café which opened earlier this year at the new Seef Mall Extension has proved so popular a second one has opened in neighouring Oman.
Crêpes are a special pancake-style treat found in France and are believed to have originated in Brittany.
But the Crêpe Café concept was founded in Australia by French entrepreneurs Jean-Pierre Corgnet and Norbert Baillette in December 2001 and now boasts outlets in New Zealand, North Africa, the United States as well as the Middle East. 
I found an outlet on one fine, hot Saturday afternoon, as photographer Raffy Dulay and I escaped the sun for a stroll in the cool environment of the mall.
We spotted the brightly coloured eating place and decided to sample the fare.
Standing for a full five minutes gaping at the wall menu, I helplessly looked at the assistant for some guidance on whether to go savoury or sweet.
He smiled and suggested I try the “Farmhouse savory crêpe, a popular choice”.
The crêpe was folded like a thin handkerchief covering a hidden surprise that smelled heavenly. For the next few seconds I savoured a slice of the tasty sensation and I must come clean and admit it was a bite that urged me to tuck in and only raise my head once the plate was clean and empty … and that is no exaggeration.
The Farmhouse crêpe consisted of roasted chicken, mushrooms, grated cheese and creamy béchamel sauce that proved a heavenly mix.
If you wish to choose a sweet crêpe and are also new to this delicacy on the island, our photographer fully recommends the ‘Alpino’.
It has a layer of Nutella spread under a thick and rich chocolate sauce which is served hot and fresh. Another sweet favourite is the ‘Strawberry Delight’ that is served with fresh strawberries, ice-cream, whipped cream and a tinge of chocolate sauce as a finishing touch.
And believe me you; they taste as good as they sound.
The Crêpe Café’s recipe is a secret but for readers who would like to prepare one at home, my research revealed the following suggestion, right.

By Shilpa Chandran