Walking the streets of Paris, you can't escape the fragrance of one of France's most beloved dishes. You follow your nose toward an unassuming Frenchman, who pours batter onto a giant hotplate, throws on some chocolate syrup and voilà! Your crêpe is ready for consumption.
Far from its Parisian origins, City Coffeehouse & Crêperie (36 North Brentwood Boulevard, Clayton; 314-862-2489) serves up a French classic with an American twist. Instead of one light, buttery crêpe shell filled with toppings such as brown sugar or fruit, the crêperie -- as it's fondly known -- serves its signature dessert crêpes with a light dusting of powdered sugar and little mountains of fresh whipped cream on the side.
Combining soft, ripe slices of banana with warm, melted Nutella, the Nutella-banana crêpe is probably the pièce de résistance of the café. (For the deprived among us, Nutella is a rich chocolate-hazelnut spread.) Less we forget to mention the light, buttery original crêpe shell. Oh wait, make that two: The Crêperie serves up the delicious confection on two crêpe shells, creating a four-layer dessert that is sure to please.
Whether you're pining for the sweet crêpes from past experiences abroad or been waiting your whole life to try Nutella on a warm, buttery crêpe shell (trust us, you have), stop by City Coffeehouse & Crêperie for a Nutella-Banana Crêpe. You won't want to walk away until you've said "au revoir" to the last bite.
Beginning last year, RFT restaurant critic Ian Froeb counted down -- in no particular order -- 100 of his favorite dishes in St. Louis. Now Gut Check has taken up where he left off. Check back frequently as we detail our 100 favorites, and don't hesitate to send us yours, too, either via the comments thread or at [email protected].
Previously:
#87: Raw Vegetable Lasagna at Scape #88: Quesadilla Azteca from Tower Tacos #89: The Perfect Pear at Foundation Grounds #90: Banh Mi Sandwich from Sweet Art #91: Chicken and Dumplings at Yummies Soul Food Cafe #92: Cuban Sandwich from La Tropicana #93: The Prosperity at Ruma's Deli #94: Cherry Cheese Danish from Missouri Baking Company #95: Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse #96: Egg Salad Sandwich at Township Grocer #97: Cheeseburger and Fries (Extra Crispy) at O'Connell's Pub #98 Mussels & Fries at Brasserie by Niche #99: Beef Taquitos Mexicanos at El Indio #100: Spinach Artichoke Dip at Cafe Eau
