Category: French

The Breakfast Scene for Parents Who Are Not Ready to Surrender to Denny’s.

Breakfast is one of those meals that even parents of restaurant-impaired small children might try going out for… assuming mom and dad are feeling strong, the stars are aligned, and they have a child-friendly stop at the end of the car ride. Because this morning meal isn’t crowding bed time, or screwing up any major naps, the behavior gods just might be on their side. And because most kids from ages 1 to 5 are carbohydrate junkies, one is sure to find something on a breakfast menu that kids will eat. Best of all, it’s the shortest meal.

For the parents in and around La Jolla that want to find something more tasty and hip than Denny’s - and less crowded than the seaside swanky spots – I give to you… Bibby’s Crepe Cafe.

This undiscovered treasure is small, quaint, and yummy. A place you’d also like to visit for lunch with a friend. The staff is a lovely collection of sweet-faced young women (one straight out of the movie Amelie) that, while maintaining a pleasant air of dignified European formality, are incredibly tolerant of small children and the challenges they can sometimes pose. Yes, you can get that juice in a to-go cup with a lid, yes we have a high chair, yes we can put the strawberries on the side and add in some bananas. And no, don’t worry, that spilled hot chocolate is not a big deal.

Here is the best part. Kids love the crepes. These crepes are the real deal, too. Made by an older French gal in the back in a matter of seconds… placed in front of you and your little ones, warm and sprinkled ever-so-lightly with powdered sugar, before there is even time for the first meltdown.

You can find Bibby’s tucked in a row of small shops on Pearl Avenue. They don’t open until 8:00am on weekends, 9:00am on weekdays, so if you’re used to hitting IHOP at 7:00, you’re out of luck. But hey, who ever heard of crack of dawn eaters in Provence? C’mon - let’s be civilized.

If you're one of those prone to regular eating, there is a French bistro with crepes so light you’ll want to put ‘em in your mouth before they simply float off the plate. With locations in Hillcrest, Encinitas, Rancho Bernardo, and even two in Downtown San Diego, St. Tropez French Bakery & Bistro offers an oasis of civilization in the dessert Southwest. C’est magnifique!

Breakfast affords the early riser their choice of fresh-baked croissants, fruit, eggs and omelets – to say nothing of breakfast crepes of every description to satisfy your need for a little get up and go (even if you just want to stay and sit down!) Try the Eggs Florentine or the berry fruit crepes: you won’t be sorry.

The lunch fare served up daily features a hot and tasty variety of soups, sandwiches, soup and salad combos (featuring your choice of quiche, crepe, or sandwich), paninis, croissants, crepes, quiches – you name it. Go ahead – we dare you! Name it, they serve up it fresh!

Dinner menus are available (except Hillcrest) for the discerning epicure sure to fall in love all over again with the Beef Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, or Salmon with Dill Sauce. Lasagna Bolognese, Chicken Marsalla, Pasta Provencal, and a scintillating Pot Roast in Green Peppercorn Sauce also appearing nightly. Don’t forget to start with an appetizer. Proscuitto & Melon, Marseille Pizza, or Spinach Gratin are sure to grab you.

You eat dessert, don’t you? Who doesn’t? No one after getting a whiff of the St. Tropez Bakery’s finest viennoiserie, pattiseries, tarts, and cookies from a menu which simply must be experienced.