If options are what you’re looking for, Crepes and Grapes, a small corner café in Uptown Whittier, is a veritable treasure chest. Serving a medley of dinner and dessert crepes, joined with voluminous salads, paninis and pastas, the small hideaway serves moderately priced selections to please the most delicate palate.
The light, jazzy music sets the mood as patrons can watch their crepe being twirled on the griddle and lined with their hand-picked ingredients. The finished product is presented in a colorful, dainty presentation that manages class without snobbery.
Server Hector Ramas described crepes as a French version of the Mexican taco, and while I’m sure any chef would positively cringe at the comparison, the word picture works. If you’ve never had one, a crepe is like a thin, lacy tortilla made from sweetened pancake batter, stuffed with gourmet ingredients, and topped with sauce or clouds of whipped cream.
If you’re on a voracious chocolate binge, try the nutella and powdered sugar, or if you’re in the mood for something more filling, try the shrimp scampi: sautéed shrimp in garlic, butter and basil pesto served with asparagus, mushroom, onion and garlic in a creamy white sauce.
On an afternoon where nothing but exploration and casual dining will do, try Crepes and Grapes. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the options.
Free parking is available near Crepes and Grapes, which is located on the corner of Greenleaf and Bailey in Whittier.
