La Crêperie, Key West, Florida

I had a strong and authoritative recommendation for La Crêperie from Michelle, a parent at Ella’s school who’s a regular in Key West. And it was endorsed by Sue and David Boyd, who’d just been there. It sounded great, so off we went late one morning after our annual visit to the delightful butterfly museum with Ella and Lily — and where serendipitously we picked up cards for free mimosas at La Crêperie.

La Crêperie is located at 300 Petronia Street, a couple of blocks off Duval. It begins to create a French atmosphere even before you enter.

The French mood is enhanced by an associated wine bar, to which I’d love to return, and will.

There’s seating outside as well as in, including a few precious bar stools overlooking the kitchen. And it has an inevitable line for a table.

The line was manageable, only a 15- or 20- minute wait, and the atmosphere was cheerful. Ella and Lily had fun while we waited, and after working on it for days, Ella had a tooth fall out, literally.

Soon the host summoned us, seated us, and served us mimosas. (Not to Ella and Lily.) We each agonized over the delicious options on the menu, again except for Ella and Lily, both of whom decided on crêpes with a chocolate ganache and strawberries.

I don’t think they understand “ganache,” but they understand “chocolate and strawberries.” Both were thrilled, as you can imagine. Lily volunteered that she really liked “the bread” of the crêpe. Michael had a croque madame, which came with a little salad. The croque madame is a great sandwich and the second egg is a genius touch.

Liza chose a gallette, La Ratatouille, which held the familiar combination of eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, tomato, shallots, onion, garlic, Provençal herbs, plus Swiss cheese. I failed to take a photo, alas. There was a lot going on.

Nancy chose an omelette, La Veggie Ratatouille, and enjoyed it immensely. I helped out by removing that tempting bread from her plate. I’m kind of a Trophy Husband in a limited way. Very limited.

The accompanying salad also was a hit, with admirably fresh greens and a light French-accented dressing.

I ordered a gallette, La Campagnade, which was a salade Nicoise enfolded by a buckwheat pancake.

I thoroughly enjoyed the gallette. My last was in 2009 in Rennes where I ordered — and ate — a gallette with andouillette, which I’d confused with andouille. I soldiered through it, but it did put me off galettes. That’s a shame, for this was delicious. The pancake itself had an earthy, almost nut-like flavor. The other ingredients blended together beautifully, as always in a salade Lyonnaise, and the potatoes, substantial home fries, were outstanding. This was a great dish, and it overshadowed the side of very crisp bacon I’d ordered for the table.

How often does bacon get overshadowed?

The service throughout at La Crêperie managed to remain amiable and relaxed even amid much activity in sometimes Parisian-tight quarters. What a pleasant place to dine! Try it

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