Most locals point to Breizh Café in the Marais for the city’s best crêpes but my loyalties lie with Chez Imogène, a tiny, no-frills restaurant in the 11th arrondissement. Traditional buckwheat galettes and sweet dessert crêpes take pride of place at this convivial, local favorite and shouldn’t be consumed without a glass (or several) of Breton cider. While this signature meal can and should be consumed anytime of year (I find that most galettes are light enough even in those rare but insufferable bouts of heat and humidity), they are at their most festive on February 2nd for La Chandeleur- the Catholic holiday which commemorates the presentation of baby Jesus at the Temple but best known in France as crêpe day. You might even consider it the French version of Groundhog’s Day as consuming crêpes on this day is meant to symbolize the approaching spring.
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Crêpes for La Chandeleur (or any time of year)
Most locals point to Breizh Café in the Marais for the city’s best crêpes but my loyalties lie with Chez Imogène, a tiny, no-frills restaurant in the 11th arrondissement. Traditional buckwheat galettes and sweet dessert crêpes take pride of place at this convivial, local favorite and shouldn’t be consumed without a glass (or several) of Breton cider. While this signature meal can and should be consumed anytime of year (I find that most galettes are light enough even in those rare but insufferable bouts of heat and humidity), they are at their most festive on February 2nd for La Chandeleur- the Catholic holiday which commemorates the presentation of baby Jesus at the Temple but best known in France as crêpe day. You might even consider it the French version of Groundhog’s Day as consuming crêpes on this day is meant to symbolize the approaching spring.