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 In
the downtown area, if you happen to be walking along Granville or Robson street,
you may come across one of Cafe Crepe's four Vancouver locations. (1032
Robson Street, 874 Granville Street, 796 Granville Street, or 2861 Granville
Street). This chain of cafes attempts to import the "tradition of the
classic European cafe to North America", and succeeds very well in giving
locals the experience of being tourists in their own city.
At first you may think it's a rather silly concept to have a restaurant that
serves primarily crepes. But the idea will grow on you, once you try one of
their many varieties, or watch their chefs heating the crepes and ingredients
on the hot round grills placed conspicuously at the front entrance.
Cafe Crepe also serves a French version of a hot dog, the Hot Dog Parisien
(pictured above), which is a long weiner sausage served in a 30 cm (12 inches)
baguette, topped with emmenthal cheese and bechamel sauce. There is something to
be said about the authentic French mustard that Cafe Crepe uses, and I would go
as far to say that it is the mustard that really makes this hot dog a winner.
In addition to the hot dog (from the 796 Granville location),
I also ate a crepe (pictured below) served at 874 Granville - their largest
location, which is situated between the Orpheum Theatre and the Commodore
Ballroom. The verdict? These crêpes are mighty fine! My favourite are the crepes
salees (savoury crepes) which come in many varieties including egg, ham,
spinach, tuna, and chicken, or any combinations of the above.
If you're looking for some dessert, or even breakfast, try a crepe sucree, such as one
filled with apple sauce and cinnamon, or even dark chocolate and almond. I liked
the sophisticated jazzy Euro-beats that they play in the background, and the
bold, sexy French artwork. Their 874 Granville location has a party room in the
back which is perfect for large groups.
My only criticism would be that their menu doesn't offer many vegetable or
fruit items, except for a green salad and a vegetable soup. But as to the
crepes, there is plenty of selection in that department! And they also offer
baguette sandwiches and panini sandwiches in case a crepe doesn't tempt you.
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Crêpe with Ham, Cheese
and Egg
With Europa Ham and Emmenthal Cheese.
$6.50
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Orange Pekoe Tea
$1.95
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Hot Dog Parisien
30 cm 12 inch hot dog served in a
baguette with weiner sausages, emmenthal cheese, bechamel sauce,
and special French mustard.
$4.95
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Reviewed by: Geoff Peters
Last reviewed: April 11, 2005
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