By Leigh O’Connor.
Forget pancakes…nothing stacks up to authentic French crêpes with lemon and sugar. National Crêpes Day on Thursday, February 2 is the ideal chance to put your pancakes on a diet and enjoy the absolute delicious bit of airy breakfast, lunch or dinner that is the crêpe.
The history of crêpes dates back to the 13th Century in Brittany, France. It seems a housewife there accidentally dribbled some thin porridge onto a hot, flat cooktop; back then people were extremely reluctant to waste even their smallest cooking mistakes, so she ate it.
Want another interesting crêpe fact? Whenever milk was in short supply during the Middle Ages, intrepid crêpe lovers used a mixture of wine and water as a substitute – proving yet again the versatility of vino!
Celebrating National Crêpe Day is as simple as eating your favourite crêpe …head to your local café and dig in. Here are four of our favourites:
So many pancakes, so little time! Hawthorn foodies looking for a sweet or savoury fix head along Glenferrie Road to find Ninety Nine Pancakes, where a selection of the best European pancakes, Belgian poffertjes and French crêpes await.
Step into a pastel-coloured heaven and linger awhile over a decadent shake and indulgent crêpe offerings such as apple à la mode – caramelised apples, cinnamon and vanilla ice cream – or perhaps Nutella and banana.
For the finest authentic French crêpes this side of Paris, head to Brisbane’s number one dessert destination Miss Claudes Crêpes on Newmarket Road. Take a break from retail therapy at Newmarket Village Shopping Centre to find this crêperie, where statues of the Eiffel Tower can be found on tables and a pink neon sign asks ‘Who needs Paris?’
Think savoury plates like chicken, bacon, fresh avocado, melted cheese and spring onions, topped with aioli and BBQ sauce; or go to the sweet side with salted caramel, candied walnuts, banana and ice cream.
Come for the whales, stay for the crêpes at Flo’s Crêperie on Parkyn Parade in Mooloolaba. Located at the front entrance to Moolooolaba Wharf, this modern French crêperie oozes a relaxed beach setting with alfresco tables for chilling out with an icy vino; or dine indoors where polished wood, black subway tiles and whitewashed walls set the scene for memorable meals.
Whatever your tastes, Flo’s has the perfect crêpe for you, all made with fresh, local ingredients, seasonal produce and exciting flavours; think signature creations such as Belgian chocolate sauce, grilled almonds and chocolate gelato.
For a taste of traditional French fare in Melbourne city, discover the delights that await at Roule Galette Flinders Lane. Inside, classic and contemporary French music flows through this cosy laneway space as smoothly as the accents of the French staff, welcoming guests to take a seat and browse a menu of galettes, sweet and savoury crêpes.
Perhaps opt for the famous flambéed version – crêpes Suzette – with orange and lemon butter, Grand Marnier and ice cream; while chocoholics opt for Mocha – chocolate, housemade coffee whipped cream and Biscoff crumbs.
