French Cafe Feels at La Creperie BGC

July 7, 2016 posted by Vicki in Indulgences

I remember the very first time I tried a French crepe in Paris from a sidewalk vendor. For my 18th birthday I opted for a trip to Europe rather than a debut party. It would not only be my first time to travel to Europe but also my first time to travel without family. I convinced Peebee, one of my best friends who was also turning 18th that year, to celebrate her birthday with me in this manner and when she asked permission, she too was able to join me, albeit with a chaperone, her sister Paula. We joined a big tour group on a bus whose itinerary included nine countries. We made a pact to see all the landmarks we could possibly see and eat all the usual food you could possibly eat that was associated with that country, like cheese in Amsterdam and fish and chips in London.

When we got to Paris, we had limited time and so rushed to see all the big sights in one day. Eiffel Tower, check. Notre Dame, check. Galeries Lafayette, check. Though we got to eat in a French bistro, I was dismayed that there were no crepes on the menu, as I so loved crepes Suzette and our own famous Crepes Samurai from Hotel Intercontinental Manila. The next morning we were to get back on the bus and head to our next destination. We were already sitting in the bus, when a Parisian street vendor came by and I saw that she was selling crepes! Peebee and I made a quick decision to get off the bus and buy one. We both ordered the simplest crepe with butter and sugar and climbed back on the bus with just a few minutes to spare. It was the most delicious crepe ever. It was light and buttery, sweet and warm, made even better by the fact that we got lucky enough to check this French specialty off our list!

Today, gourmands in Manila can find an equally delicious crepe, as well as dozens of other kinds of food in the metro. La Creperie or La Creperie des Bouquinistes opened its 6th branch in Bonifacio Global City to my delight. Located downstairs from my dermatologist and down the street from my spin studio, it was a perfect venue to meet girlfriends or have lunch by myself.

With its wooden shabby chic furniture and repurposed wooden floors, antique light fixtures, preloved books overflowing on its shelves and art, it’s meant to emulate a French bistro that’s been there forever.  It even has illustrations of bookshelves, a chest of drawers and other furniture drawn on the walls. You get a great unobstructed view of Burgos Circle Park through its windows and if so inclined, you may dine al fresco in its outdoor seating area.

La Creperie owners Chef Marc Licaros with wife San-j and partners Cheese Ledesma-Ong and Christine Laman; music for the grand opening; dine with the whole family at La Creperie

What makes this branch special is that owners/ friends Cheese Ledesma-Ong and Christine Laman have decided to partner with Chef Marc Licaros, a friend whose culinary experience began under Chef Ed Quimson followed by Le Souffle’s Billy King, Jessie Sincioco and Mark Aubrey, now of La Champetre. In fact, one time I had lunch with a girlfriend there and Chef Marc so generously sent a complimentary dessert over for us to try!

Aside from sweet and savory crepes, La Creperie offers extended menus for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. Pair your fare with  coffee from Yardstick or TWG tea. With its charming interiors and great food, La Creperie is a perfect place to host events such as baptisms, birthday parties or brand events. La Creperie BGC is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Follow them on Facebook at La Creperie (PH) and @lacreperieph on Instagram.