|
 During a brief time when I lived in Paris, I felt compelled to take visitors to authentic Parisian haunts, such as a crêperie near Saint-Michel that I thought served the best crêpes. Even those (somewhat like myself) who weren’t French food lovers seemed to always gobble up these crêpes with delight, and rethink their aversion to French cuisine. In France, these quintessential, informal eateries were everywhere; however, back here in the states – they are pretty hard to find. Which is why I was pleased to find a crêperie in the Old Port – The Merry Table Crêperie at 43 Wharf Street.
On a rainy Saturday, my husband and I ducked into The Merry Table. Wharf Street is notorious for being a place where cruise ship passengers and Canadians can be victims of highly priced but mediocre meals, which is a shame, given Portland’s culinary scene. What a pleasant surprise to find a warm, intimate atmosphere, friendly service and delicious food at The Merry Table.
The chalkboard inside highlighted the specials, although a few of them were crossed out (aren’t we your first customers today?). With butter yellow walls and low ceilings, it was cozy. Two of the tables are in a little nook – a perfect area for a group of six – but slightly too close for comfort for two tables of strangers. There is a small bar and a glassed area where patrons can view the staff at work in the kitchen.
Our server came to our table right away, described the specials and mentioned that the Creamy Tomato Soup ($5.95) was delicious, so I was sold. Fresh and aromatic, with chives and only a touch of cream, it reminded me of the juicy, red late-summer tomatoes and the warmth and comfort of fall soup.
 I normally would not indulge in adult beverages at 11:30 am, but in our nostalgic mood, we chose a small bottle of the organic apple cider, imported from Normandy ($12.50). This worked out to about $5/wineglass and was served perfectly chilled.
The Merry Table Crêperie also offers a selection of salads, sandwiches and paninis, but isn’t that what everyone has? We wanted crêpes. My husband got the crêpe with Brie, ham and roasted red peppers ($8.95) and I went for the classic ham and cheese crêpe ($7.95). Both were served with a handful of fresh greens and light vinaigrette. The crêpes were warm and authentic – not the overstuffed soggy pancakes that try to disguise themselves as crêpes.
Unfortunately, the soup and crêpe were brought out at the same time and because of the large dishes and small table, it was impossible to have them both in front of me at once. Next time, I’ll ask for the soup first.
The crêpes are priced between $7.95-$15.95 (the higher priced ones were the seasonal ones with fresh lobster) and they are satisfying. Crêpes are versatile – all kinds of cheeses, vegetables, fish and meat can be packaged nicely in these thin pancake-like tortillas and enjoyed. This is the kind of restaurant where all appetites, budgets and occasions can be accommodated: it can be a simple and inexpensive meal with a crêpe (like the one I got) and sparkling water or it can be a fancier three-course meal of gourmet ingredients like lobster or duck confit paired with wine and finished off with a sweet and orangey crêpe suzette.
The dessert crêpes – especially the one with Nutella – looked wonderful but we decided we would come back another time for that. There were two special sweet crêpes on our visit – a chocolate crêpe with strawberries and whipped cream and one with blueberry compote and mascarpone cheese.
Listening to the waitstaff chatter in French, the quiet French discussion on the TV at the bar, eating crêpes and drinking cider brought me nearer to some of my fondest memories of France.
The owner offers an opportunity for French speakers to congregate at his restaurant on Thursday evenings, speak French and enjoy crêpes (prices are a la carte). Call ahead for times: 207-899-4494. Open daily 11:30-3pm and 5:30pm-10pm.
 |
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form