Mr. Crepe rethinks breakfast food
Mr. Crepe in Somerville, Mass. is roughly a 20-minute drive from campus, but the trip is well worth it. It is also located less than a minute walking from the Davis Square T stop if you want to get there via public transportation. The shop offers the most delicious crepes, whether you prefer them sweet, savory or spicy.The employees are friendly, and if you want to watch your crepe being made, there is a clear window next to the kitchen area to watch the magic happen. Each crepe starts with a crepe base, which looks similar to pancake mix. It is ladled onto a large circular disc, which is equivalent to a sauté pan, except stationary. The crepes cook in a matter of seconds, gaining a light, golden brown color and are then moved over to the next disc where the fillings are added.
Mr. Crepe offers a vast selection of fillings ranging from the typical Nutella and bananas to the not-so-typical "super chutney," which includes smoked chicken, feta, goat cheese, roasted bell peppers, baby arugula, fresh basil and a mango chutney. They also offer a selection of vegetarian crepes. The "super fennel" includes marinated fresh mozzarella cheese with shaved fennel, Roma tomatoes, basil and baby spinach. These crepes are not just for dessert.
Still, all the "sweet crepes" sounded absolutely scrumptious, including raspberries with Nutella or Belgian chocolate; marshmallow, graham crackers and Belgian chocolate; or strawberries and kiwi with honey. You're probably getting hungry just thinking about these crepes. Mr. Crepe is open Monday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., so if you leave now you could still make it!
Not only are the crepes at Mr. Crepe mouth-watering and of gourmet quality, they are a great price. You could get a cheese crepe for $3.85 or a "Super Salmon" crepe with grilled salmon, fresh baby spinach, homemade corn relish with peppers, red onions and balsamic syrup drizzle for $9.25. However, most of the crepes are around 6 or 7 dollars.
If you haven't noticed by now, Mr. Crepe offers quality ingredients. Moreover, they aren't stingy with their portion sizes. These are not petite French crepes; they are delicately folded pieces of heaven that take up most of the plate. I have a voracious appetite, but it was difficult for me to finish the crepe because it was very filling. (I finished it anyway because it was just too good.)
I also appreciate the fact that Mr. Crepe does not distract the clients with little salads or sides to accompany the crepes. Of course, if you want a salad, they do serve them, but, really, if you're going out of your way to get crepes, why bother with the mesclun mix?
The atmosphere at Mr. Crepe is casual. There are beautiful paintings along the back wall that give the restaurant character and an artsy appeal. You can walk in and order a coffee, espresso, tea, etc. from the barista and sit down with your laptop. Or, if your peanut butter, marshmallow and Belgian chocolate crepe did not satisfy that sweet tooth, there are ice cream and smoothie options.
Mr. Crepe is a restaurant that is sure to impress. Not only is it delicious, but the vibe feels young and hip. After leaving Mr. Crepe, you can't help but smile since the crepes are divine.
Mr. Crepe is located at 51 Davis Square. For more information and a menu visit www.mrcrepe.net.
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