By Trevor Pepys reviews Flo’s Creperie
OK, let’s be honest. Even on his many trips to France, Trev has never really embraced the crepe as anything other than a breakfast treat. Something enjoyed at a sidewalk table at a Parisian patisserie with a strong coffee while watching pampered poodles lift their legs on nearby lamp posts.
But, it’s never too late to teach an old dog a new trick, or so he thought as he wandered along Sunshine Beach Road the other night after drinks at the Town Bike and sniffed the air delightedly as he passed by Flo’s Creperie, where the outside diners were happily hoovering some exceedingly aromatic crepie concoctions. No piddling poodles but it looked fun. He made a mental note to make a booking.
A week or so later Trev and the missus fetched up at Flo’s on a warm night with the threat of a storm or shower, and were grateful to be shown to a prime window table where we could feel outdoorsy without getting wet. On a midweek night the trade wasn’t as brisk as Trev had seen earlier, but Flo’s has obviously built up a local following of folks who like it a little bit Francey and enjoy the friendly banter of the staff in this bright, happy place.
The wine list is nothing to write home about, but on it we found the entry-priced house wine, a quite decent La Gordonne Rosé ($39) from Provence which we sipped contentedly while choosing our galettes from the wide range of fillings. We decided to keep it simple, sharing two meat-based offerings in The Spaniard ($18) with chorizo, cherry tomatoes, caramelised onions and cheese, and the Peking Duck ($20) with duck breast, spring onion, cheese and hoisin sauce, accompanied by sides of fries ($7) and green salad ($7).
Our galettes (savoury crepes) weren’t as crispy as promised on the menu, but they sure filled a plate and proved an ample meal for two.
The problem for Trev was that after cutting to share, he got confused and couldn’t tell his Spain from his Peking. While the crepes were undoubtedly delicious, the fillings were too bland, no bite in the chorizo, not enough sauce on the duck.
But, washed down with a good quaffing rosé, sitting in the window and chatting to passing friends while our attentive hostess whispered sweet French nothings, allowing us to respond le meme, in our trying fashion, the hour passed quickly and happily.
The verdict: You can’t beat Flo’s for upbeat, happy service in a light, bright room. Our meal was adequate without being the least bit exciting, but that’s what you get when you eat crepe for dinner. And we were back home in time for the ABC news. Next time, Trev will do breakfast.
Flo’s Creperie, 4 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Junction. Phone 5474 9486.