Here's a tip: when the French guy at Le Creperie knows your full name, class schedule and that you like extra feta, no spinach and a mix of the two batters, it's time to stop. I'm not suggesting you quit cold turkey; I'm only saying that after trying the best cr?pes this side of the Atlantic, you won't settle for Penn's fare.
Steps away from South Street, Beau Monde is a Parisian creperie without Paris' pretentious staff. Seated inside this charming restaurant, you'll agree with its name: it is a beautiful world. This welcoming spot for single daytime diners transforms at dusk into a magical place to gaze lovingly at your date -- complete with roaring fire in the background.
Beau Monde attracts the ravenous, the studious and the romantic. At lunchtime, it isn't unusual to find families celebrating a birthday, professionals finalizing a deal or lone customers with a laptop or book. Even on overcast days, Beau Monde's large windows and high ceiling give it a light and airy atmosphere, and the green and yellow decor is soothing. Sculpted topiaries substitute ordinary flowers on the wooden tables and continue the classical French motif.
You'd be crazy to pass up their signature crepes, but other (veggie-friendly) options are available. The French onion soup arrives browned and bubbly and you'll swear the thin crust pizza was hand-tossed in an Italian brick oven. The friendly waiters explain the menu, and you can choose from their list of suggested combinations or make your own creation with their fresh and extensive ingredients.
Who would have imagined you could have coq au vin or shrimp in a crepe? You'll be stuffed after finishing the massive square-shaped meal, but save room for dessert. The nutella and white chocolate savory cr?pe -- drizzled in chocolate, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with hazelnut ice cream -- is incredible. In addition to options from Beau Monde's stocked bar, you can even try Vermont apple cider -- perfect on a crisp fall day.
So if you can't stand gray, misty, chilly Philly weather and you'd rather imagine you're independent Carrie Bradshaw discovering the perfect Parisian cr?perie, take a trip to Beau Monde. Take a tip from the French -- sit back, relax, have a glass of wine and forget your neurotic calorie-counting ways because let's face it: cr?pes are like men -- the richer the better. But don't despair; have you ever seen a French woman who wasn't tall, thin and enviably stylish?
Beau Monde
624 S. 6th St.
(215) 592-0656
