Our Crepes and More, Wilmington, NC

I like French food. There is a certain simplicity to it in elevating a few flavor notes to create a masterpiece. Unfortunately there is a mystique to French food which makes people assume that it should be snobby and expensive, often perpetuated by French restaurants. Not so for the noble crepe which is the ultimate in simplicity. Crepes can either be savory or sweet and are really nothing more than a slightly sweet, thin pancake.

I've not yet been to Paris, but I have had some very good crepes in Montreal. I've even tried to make them myself. Once they were terrible and were really pancakes and the second time they were edible. Since then I leave it to the experts to make my crepes. The amount of heat required and the skill in spreading the batter are an art form.

I'd heard that Our Crepes and More in Wilmington was good so we decided to swing by to see for ourselves. The restaurant is in a strip mall on Oleander, just up from another favorite, Flaming Amy's. Outside it is rather unassuming, but inside it is a bright and cheery place with French music playing. You order at the counter, pay, and find a table. In about five minutes your food arrives. We took menus to our table to look over them. 

I usually can't decide which I like better, sweet or savory, so I often try to opt for one of each. In this case I decided on the Quebec (bottom photo) which is smoked salmon, a sour cream and chive sauce and a dollop of whipped cream with a lime in it. It was quite tasty with the smokiness of the salmon, the hint of lime and the sweetness of the whipped cream blending nicely.

Teresa opted for the OCM breakfast special (second photo) with eggs, bacon, sausage and a crepe of your choice. Also quite good. We shared a desert crepe, the Cayenne which had bananas, chocolate syrup, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream (top photo) and it was delightful, and filling. All three, with two coffees, was less than thirty bucks.

The owner, Sylvain Marguerat, waited on us and he was quite gregarious with his heavy French accent. Overall a lovely meal and we will certainly go back again. This is one of my new favorites in the Port City.