Restaurant Review by Food Critic, Marnie Basket
Every neighborhood has its own unique signature restaurant that can almost define a place. The Sky City Restaurant at the top of the Space Needle is one example, for whatever actual neighborhood that is. Canlis is another example, for the off-Aurora neighborhood where it resides.
In Seattle’s Maynard Park neighborhood, the quintessential character restaurant has to be the Crepe-Ateria, brimming with every crepe the mind can comprehend.
The Crepe-Ateria doesn’t just randomly present and arrange crepes. Emulating the natural progression of a dining experience, starting with an appetizer, moving on to an entrée, side dishes and then desserts, Crepe-Ateria owners Justin and Justine have clustered their fair in a logical physical layout. Starters like Deviled-Egg Crepes, Pigs-in-a-Crepe and Swedish Meatball Stuffed Crepes are located right up front as your first grab down what locals affectionately call, “Crepe Alley.”
“We offer 45 varieties of crepes,” says Justin. “If it isn’t a beverage, it’s a crepe.”
Further down the lanes of platformed, steaming goodness, you’ll find Creamy Tomato Pasta (in a crepe), Parmesan Chicken (in a crepe), Perfect Pot Roast (in a crepe), and you’ll think you’ve seen double when you encounter the Crepe-in-a-Crepe, for the purists.
One bit of fun is the “Crepe Surprise” steam tray, with the absolutely no-peeking rule. A word of warning for anyone considering one of these crepe-wrapped animal, vegetable or mineral items…If you have ANY dietary restrictions or preferences of any kind, you should not venture into the Crepe Surprise tray.
My advice, don’t skip dessert! You’ll have to pace yourself, but hold out for the Chocolate Mousse Layer Cake with Toasted Marshmallows in a Crepe, the Decadent Gruyere Donuts and Goat Cheese in a Crepe, and the Crepe-Ateria’s piece de resistance, Flaming Apricot Brandy Crepes on a Skewer (however, parents are strongly cautioned to supervise their young ones when carrying their “Olympic Torches” back to their tables.)
Whether you’re genuinely hungry, or if you just like to see a spectacle, you should definitely make the Maynard Park Crepe-Ateria your destination the next time you’re zigging or zagging through the neighborhood.
I almost forgot to mention, it’s all-you-can-eat ($17.95 for adults, $15.00 for seniors, and $6.95 for Kids.)
