Merry Table Crêperie

Our time in Portland is always spent visiting a myriad of "tradition" stops- ones I've already spoken of, some that are drinking establishments only, and one that is the only breakfast spot we've tried in the lovely city. Now technically, The Merry Table Crêperie is not only breakfast- it is wonderful lunch and dinner too, but we only go during out breakfast time. The beauty of The Merry Table is that it is tried and true French Crepes. Walking through their front door is almost as though you are walking through a portal into a small cafe in France, you can almost see the Eiffel Tower out the window. The owner has been present each and every time we've been in, and she is always helpful, kind, patient with those of us rusty on our French skills, all while being incredibly and wonderfully French herself. Most of the conversations you hear her engage in are conducted in French, and the menu notes that there are even French only evenings at the restaurant where you must speak the owners native tongue while there. Charming does not even begin to describe this spot.

Over the time period that we have been going to The Merry Table I have tried several different crepe's stuffed with an assortment of fillings. Each has been wonderfully delicious. This time, however, I found one that I would be thrilled to have over and over. Salade de Crevettes, but basically the menu described a buckwheat crepe topped with fresh salad enhanced with shrimp. A masterpiece was presented to me. A beautifully thin, freshly made crepe was placed on a plate and then topped with greens, roasted red peppers, tomatos, red onion, carrot, artichoke hearts, asparagus and gorgeous sliced shrimp. Tossed with a mustard based vinaigrette- this was more a work of art than anything. At the owner's suggestion, I broke my long standing rule of not taking photos in restaurants and snapped a few-it was THAT gorgeous. As beautiful though as it looked- it tasted just as wonderful. The asparagus was sweet and lacked that sometimes obtrusive bitter bite that it can have. The salad was perfectly dressed-not drowned, and not skimped upon either. Finally the shrimp were perfectly cooked, sweet and delicious. What a brunch to have on a cold Sunday morning!

John fell in love with their crepes au sucre, or with sugar, the very first visit and so has faithfully ordered two of these each visit. Sweet, without being overly so, and satisfying, I always picture him heading to the Louvre after enjoying his breakfast.

For us, this is a must stop during our visits to Portland. I must urge you all to do the same- what a wonderful way to start a day in such a fantastic city.