Dissection Of A Menu: Creperie Beau Monde, Philly Edition

photography by so does estella 

 

I've fallen off the raw foods wagon and I'm eating cooked foods again, but with good reason -- Creperie Beau Monde! Situated in the Bella Vista neighborhood of South Philadelphia is this gem of gems. For me, it doesn't feel reminiscent of the small crepe stops in Paris, rather my favorite Southern California haunt, Le Creperie. In both places you're eating crepes in a restaurant that is clearly American and not really authentic, but somehow you don't mind it a bit.

Fare: Savory & sweet crepes both do the trick...I can vouch. Wins.

Interior Design: Carefully thought interior and exterior down to every detail. Wins.

Branding: On point. Have a look at their website. Wins.

1. Custom metalwork signage to die for.

2. Chinoiserie style wallpapered panels & crushed velvet drapery.

3. Casual patio perfect for a warm day.

4. Those details that I mentioned!

5. Gorgeous built in's at the bar in a dark finish.

6. Lemon sorbet and nutella dessert crepe.

From top to bottom, Beau Monde wins! It's nice to drive out to Philadelphia from New York on a whim, especially when you know delicious crepes await you.

What creperies do you recommend? And for the entree, sweet or savory?

Dissection Of A Menu: Berkli Barc

Dissection Of A Menu

photography by so does estella

On the menu: Butcher Block and Seasonal Sandwiches

Fare: Excellent

Berkli Parc...man oh man. Thank them for the sandwiches made with sprouts and whole grain bread. California cuisine is hard to find on the streets of NYC when you're on the go!

I could live in this cute little eatery. No, really, I could. The interior design melds modern and natural elements you may not expect from a Lower East Side cafe. And really, I am not sure that it can be classified as a cafe because it's so much more.

Branding: Wins. Look at that facade!

Interior Design (as shown above): Wins!! The blend of wood finishes and butcher block style configurations tie into their menu in theme, while glass cake plates with handwritten labels bring on the character. (In case you hadn't made your mind up already.)

1. Delancey Store Front with a minimal lowercase type used for signage.
2. Various pendants adorn the counter while this amazing piece hands above a farm table.
3. Simple stark white branches sit in a tortoise shell vase. (Where can I get one of those?!)
4. Ginger Bread, Apricot Scones, Irish Potato and Brown Sugar Coffee Cake are displayed on the cake plates I went crazy over. I mean, sure, bakeries have them but it's very unexpected in this space which is why I love it.

So the big question. Are we eating the brand or whats on the menu? Both! Berkli Parc scores.

Dissection Of A Menu: Buttermilk Channel

Dissection Of A Menu

images by so does estella

Fare: Wins
Aptly named, Buttermilk Channel is and isn't what you'd expect. When I first caught wind of the place through a friend, the name brought to mind huge buckets of waffle mix being poured onto a mega - griddle. Reminiscent of those educational shows we used to watch as children where they gave an inside look at the inner workings of a factory or production mill and we sat there in awe. Yes, kind of like that. 

I imagine that what goes on in the kitchen there is pretty similar, considering there is often an hour wait and lots of Brooklynites and their in-town parents waiting to throw down.

Interior & Design (as shown above): Fitting

1. Cornflower Blue Storefront Which Contrasts With Original Red Brick Facade
2. Globe Pendants Flank The Bar
3. Illustrated Menus Resembling The Original Buttermilk Channel Map
4. Window Signage In Classic Font, Backlit by Traditional Sconces

5. Eggs Huntington

6. Full Bar (at noon) (more below...)

photography by so does estella

Branding: Wins


Are we eating the brand or what's on the menu?
Both! If we took away the minimalist New England style decor and cute little menus with cows walking up the channel, this restaurant would still be on my hit list. For starters, the grapefruit wheels with endive are reason enough alone to go and the waffles, they're heaven.

Considering the vision I had about Buttermilk Channel before I actually dined there, I was surprised and delighted when greeted with the menu. A Yellow the tone of buttermilk itself is the ground color with a nice cornflower blue type. Quite comforting.


So, Buttermilk wins!!

Ever dined here? What's the favorite waffle spot in your city?

Dissection Of A Menu: Mooncake Foods

Dissection Of A Menu: Are we eating the brand? Or what's on the menu? Lets find out...

photography by so does estella

These days, many businesses rely on creative marketing and fancy-pants branding for at least some portion of their success. When looking at condos a couple of weeks ago, the developer practically had me hook, line, and sinker just with the marketing materials. The information cards were done by letterpress! A stationery geeks dream. This practice is no different for eateries, so I'm putting my favorite (and new) haunts to the test.


Fare: Wins
Mooncake serves Chinese with a slight Vietnamese influence. Usually I shutter at the word diner but this place is a little different. They avoid fried foods and offer favorites like Wonton Soup with watercress, and Vegetarian Peashoot Dumplings. Need I say more?


Interior & Design (as shown above): Wins


1. Charming Storefront In Rich Rouge Color
2. Vintage Pendant Lamp
3. Framed Vintage Oil Painting
4. Adorable Arrangement Of Color-Grouped Supplies


Branding: Wins


Are we eating the brand or what's on the menu?
Both! Have to say, I dig the red Buddah logo designed to resemble a stamp and their overall illustrated branding. 


While Mooncake is casual and quaint, the menu is also pretty extensive for a place of it's size.  It's great for lunch near the office or a quick meet up with a friend. Five points for the fresh ginger and brown rice tea!


So, Mooncake wins!!


There are two more NYC locations. Hells Kitchen and Chelsea. 


Have you been?