Why would we leave Manhatten (Times Square is too crazy…), the epicenter of the gastronomical (after Tokyo) world to the burbs? For authentic Bretagne “Buckwheat” crepes found by M. What a discovery… Thank you M. Never been to Bretagne but Buckwheat is something us Japanese appreciate… soba, crepes… comfort foods in Japan and in Bretagne, France, respectively? It’s all connected:) It’s about humble, simple, soul food… we all miss in America. We miss the comfort foods from our old country.
Tiny little hole in the world with paintings I loved… convinced owner must be an artist as much as he’s a chef. A whimsical decor, tiny tiny place in a very mixed neighborhood we would not have ventured into if it were not for this discovery. It’s serendipity…
Cafe Triskell
33-04 36th Avenue, Astoria, New York, 11105
No I am not paid to advertise this… in fact, it would be sad if that cozy tiny quirky place got too popular at which point the local regulars will suffer…as their kind of food cannot be made instantly (take their onion soup for example… very time consuming to prepare slooooowww food) My late-father used to say, the precious places are secret places … (as far as restaurants) because once it gets too popular, their quality goes down… Really? Maybe so. We hope to re-create the buckwheat crepes at home during the holiday season…
Was reading the meaning of the word “Triskell” and surprised how this word is so connected to the idea of elements in Japan as well. I have to appreciate such unexpected parallels:
The Triskell is a druid/celtic symbol and for the celts symbolizes (good luck). The triskell symbolizes the elements of fire, water, air and earth in the middle. If you ever go to Bretagne you will see this symbol everywhere. Although crepes are seen as street food in most other areas in France. Crepes are a big deal in Bretagne. People make reservations, get dressed up and head out to their favorite creperie for dinner. A family of 6 or 7 will patiently wait and be served hot 1 at a time as each crepe is spread at that moment 1 at a time. In Brittany, people will eat their crepes as served before they get cold. They do not expect or wait until all 7 have their plates as it would be impossible to have all 6 spread at once. I try to explain that to customers all the time.
***and yes, we do have to wait patiently here and no need to be polite – just eat if you are served first; no need to wait for all to get theirs as that might take forever. Have lots to talk about so you forget that you are waiting – remember, the kitchen is making ONE crepe at a time… (get it?) Kind of heartwarming to see this beautiful couple at the window where the girl was eating their signature salad and her date had …nothing – he just watched her eat. With a lot of love – just admiring as she ate… tender moments. Felt like we witnessed a special courtship – My heart just melts at such sightings – So romantic!
