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Pasty Presto? Pasty Prest-no. Crêpe Maison is just a few years old but it has already amassed a dedicated band of loyal eaters.
What came before was a high street brand serving up meagre and soulless pastry products. So, has this new establishment rejuvenated the spot into something more authentic?
The deep blue and sparkly golden façade entices you in, the doorway adorned with seasonal flowers which continue throughout as you enter the space.
Walking to your table you pass by the prep station. Huge crepes being carefully spread out on hot plates and various patisseries on display help to make you feel you are where you’re promised to be.
At the back are equally transportive booths and chairs sitting just below what the proprietors claim is the best view in St. Peter Port. I’ll give them that, if it’s sunny (it was).
One wall features large classical paintings. The opposite features literally countless mirrors. Strange. Harry Smiles does not go to lunch to stare at himself. Being a discerning critic, my attention quickly turned back from the immediate surroundings, and my own image, to the tall and extensive menu.
Pictured: The coffee art at Crepe Maison would impress instagrammers.
The coffee here comes with the kind of ‘coffee-art’ that you see plastered all over Instagram. Soft foam adorned with a quaint purple heart being held aloft by some kind of amorphous blob. It was quite sweet. The coffee itself was as lovely as it should have been from somewhere that purports to be French-inspired.
There’s also a diverse list of herbal teas on offer. L'Etoile de Provence provided a subtle blend of lime blossoms and lemon grass suspended in a glass infuser, giving the tea a perfect zesty kick.
Galettes are a staple here, and I went for the meatiest option available. Perfectly folded and packed full to the brim, this rustic yet refined French dish était magnifique.
Each bite was a harmonious blend of Toulouse sausage, succulent bacon , sliced mushrooms, and gooey Emmental cheese, topped with a cracked egg.
Balanced flavours, with the crispy edges and chewy centre, came together to make a satisfying experience for only a little over a tenner.
But then I moved on to dishes decidedly less traditional.
A New York pastrami sandwich in a French restaurant? Isn’t this blasphemy? Je m'en fous. Layer after layer of delicate peppery brisket with gherkins wedged between two thick and crusty pieces of sourdough, perfectly toasted and crunchy, with a bright purple slaw accompanying.
If my eyes aren’t watering after eating something containing mustard, then there simply isn’t enough. Thankfully, the Dijon was lathered on both pieces of bread, bringing each bite together. Salty, sweet, tangy, spicy. Incroyable.
Pictured: A sweet treat which was a tad heavy for Harry.
The Bang Bang Chicken Salad was surprisingly hot. Several strips of cooked chicken peppered with crushed nuts and served with a little pot of what at first appeared to be sweet chilli sauce.
After further investigation, it had a citrus tang and a serious kick of chilli. This wasn’t your corner shop brand sweet chilli, this was something else. It almost tasted homemade. The sauce, presentation and crushed peanuts elevated the dish above what could be considered essentially just a bowl of leaves.
But as far as salads go, in a place that is crepe heavy, it wasn’t too bad. You also have the option of a Buddha Bowl if you want to get a real health kick.
There was just enough room for a sweet treat to round out the occasion. One word came to mind with the pistachio and raspberry tart – thick. I’d also argue it needed to be sweeter. It certainly looked the part, though. Next time I’ll get something lighter.
Undoubtedly a welcome addition to the High Street, adding charm and cheer. The extensive menu demands further exploration.
Now, I’m off for a pasty.
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