The motto of Creperie Le Triskel is “Arrogantly French” – it is cheekily written on their window and business cards. From what I’ve experienced at Le Triskel so far, I think it should be “Delightfully French” instead.  Located in the perenially [...]]]> 32 Hardware Lane, Melbourne
Phone 0466 406 404

The motto of Creperie Le Triskel is “Arrogantly French” – it is cheekily written on their window and business cards. From what I’ve experienced at Le Triskel so far, I think it should be “Delightfully French” instead.  Located in the perenially busy Hardware Lane district, Le Triskel (along with Sette Bello) is culinary breath of fresh air in sea of less than inspiring cafes and restaurants. Why? Well there seems to be an aura of authenticity, and of pride in producing something unique and good.

It is also overtly French; from the owner and staff (who all chatter away, sing and even whistle in French), to the food (galettes and crepes), reading material (French magazines – Vogue etc.), soundtrack (yes, I did hear Serge Gainsbourg crooning there at some stage), drinks (French cordials such as Grenadine and softdrinks such as Orangina) and coffee (oh yes…proper cafe au lait…in a bowl!).  What is most impressive, and what we are here for though, is the food.

Galettes. Yes, the proper buckwheat type. Served as a savoury dish along with a crisp green salad.  And crepes. Yes, the wheat kind. These are kept for the sweet stuff.

I chose the La Broceliandre, a buckwheat galette enveloping (literally) Swiss Gruyere cheese, bechamel sauce, mushrooms and prosciutto. The galette itself was still supple and tender, yet easy to cut with the knife. A mixed gourmet leaf salad was served in a bowl to the side, garnished with sesame seeds and a light vinegarette. Two small rounds of crispy baguette sat to the side.

The filling?  Well as you can see, it was good.  The cheesy nutty creaminess of the Gruyere and bechamel was a good vehicle for coating the mushrooms and salty Italian cured ham.

Dan went with the L’estivale galette – smoked salmon, ricotta and chives, topped with semi-dried tomatoes, bocconcini cheese and a wedge of lemon. He just about licked his plate clean.

I couldn’t leave without sampling their sweet crepes, and in this instance, we shared the French Chestnut puree.  Oh my.  The crepe was so delicate and light, it was almost as thin as a wafer. It was spread with just the right amount of sweet chestnut paste too. To be honest, this left Concorde for dead.

We went back for breakfast on another day and had the cafe au lait (in a bowl) with toasted baguette and strawberry jam.  They served the toasts on a communal plate; four long batons of baguette spread generously with butter and jam.  I just love dipping the bread into my milky coffee.

I like this place, even though I think they’re still finding their feet a wee bit (sometimes service can be a little scatty).  But I say that in the nicest possibly way – just smile and say c’est la vie!