This is a great new addition to the blossoming food scene of E. Liberty. I was a bit tentative at first after having been very excited to try this place out, based on a couple mixed reviews on this site as well as some other input from family. I can only speak to my experience and it was close to perfect. Annie and I had lunch here today on a cool summer/fall day. This place is very \"yelpy\" (refer to my penn ave. fish company review for a definition). The space itself is pretty close to perfect. It's located a few storefronts down from kelly's and when you walk in you are very much transported to a french bistro. You are greeted warmly by the chef or should I say \"Master Crepe Chef\" (actually a title) who is behind the small cooking area to the right. The colors are very warm and the detail is impressive down to the french clocks and pictures on the walls. The space seats probably about 30+ inside and there is a wonderful little deck in the back with four to five tables and a small garden. One of the other details I appreciate is that each table has its own pitcher of water (just like in France). They sell pastry in the front on your way in or out. The hostess was very friendly and the staff was top notch from start to finish even though we got there close to closinf time. In fact, I was very impressed with how pleasant everyone was given the fact that they were closing for lunch. THe chef is from france and just about everyone who works there speaks french as well. The owner Fred Rongier is also 100% French (Btw, Fred also sold me my car and it was the only time in my life that I actually felt good after buying a car). I see he applies the same service attitude to this place. Another thing which I really like about this place is that it is the only French restaurant that I'm aware of around Pittsburgh that is inexpensive. This is a crepe restaurant, however they do serve a feature each evening that is more of an entree' type selection and once a month they do a gourmet dinner that is reservation only. Okay, onto the food. I ordered a delicious \"Le St. Germain\", which is a ham and swiss cheese buckwheat crepe. I also added an egg. The crepe was thin and even and very tasty. The cheese was generous and the ham was a very good quality and tasty. My only small complaint is that it would have been better if the egg was runny and not fried. It was served with a cup of soup. I had the pea soup which had a very layered and complex taste, perfectly seasoned with a ton of peas and not overwhelming with the cream. The only small issue is that it could have been served a little hotter. Annie ordered one of the best sandwiches I can recall eating maybe ever. It was the \"croque monsier\" which again is basically a ham and cheese sandwich, but it was overflowing with delicious swiss cheese and crispy bread perfectly warm and with cheese on the outside that was a bit crispy (burnt in a good way). She also had the french onion soup which actually isn't that french at all and you'd have a hard time finding \"french onion\" soup in France. However, this was top notch french onion soup served in a small crock with a lot of cheese (again burnt in a good way) and a rich, deep onion broth. We both finished with a nice light Versailles Crepe served simply with butter and a little sugar. THe perfect dessert. A couple other small points... I had a delicious cafe au' lait. This is a true espresso bar. THe server was very pleasant and professional throughout. I look forwarded to coming back again and I think this may become a regular stop for me and Annie.
places reviews