I'd been excited about Café Mezcla's opening for months, ever since the "Coming Soon" sign was plastered to the window. But when I saw the jars of Nutella - their friendly oval containers filled to the brim with chocolatey hazelnut goodness - lining the window next to the crêpe- and waffle-making station, I just knew I would be in for a treat.
The café officially opened today, and while they aren't serving a full menu yet, they are primed for pretty much any possible flavor crêpeing one might have (have you missed my puns?).
From savory combinations like roasted mushrooms and goat cheese or shrimp and avocado with spicy Thai sauce, to decadent sweet sensations like Nutella strawberry banana crêpes or s'mores waffles, menu creator Katie has pretty much thought of everything a customer might want to see in between the delicate folds of a crêpe or nestled in the nooks and crannies of a hot waffle.
Sous Chef and I shared the roasted mushroom and goat cheese waffle with sun-dried tomatoes, greens, and a balsamic glaze and the Asiano crêpe, which consisted of bulgogi (you know how much we love bulgogi), mozzarella cheese, toasted sesame, and lettuce.
The verdict: really, really yummy. The crêpe was light and crisp and a nice vehicle for the tender bulgogi. The waffle (which Katie heartily recommended for the roasted mushroom and goat cheese) was perfectly cooked - quite a mouthful. I'd recommend the waffle when you're looking for a hearty meal, the crêpe for something lighter but just as satisfying.
For dessert, I couldn't resist ordering the classic Nutella crêpe with strawberries and banana, finished with whipped cream and toasted almonds. It hit all the sensations I love - sweet, creamy, salty, fruity, doughy, crispy. It was fantastic. The perfect treat when you're craving something fun yet sinful. We asked for it in a carryout container since we were pretty full from the savory part of our meal, but...let's put it this way - we never ended up carrying out the carryout. So good. I can't wait to try more!
Café Mezcla's sister restaurant in Mt. Washington serves frozen yogurt along with the crêpe and waffle combinations, but that would seem like overkill at their Columbia location, especially considering that Meadows frozen custard is literally next door to the café. I think they've got plenty to work with even without froyo, and they do have several flavors of ice cream for those seeking a crêpe à la mode.
The café is still working out what their hours will be, but they're thinking at this point they'll be open at 8 in the morning, even during the work week (crêpefast, anyone?) and close around 8 or 8:30 in the evening.
Eventually, customers will be able to order online for quick pick up at the store.
As we were finishing up, Sous Chef asked Katie whether she'd gone to culinary school. She laughed and replied, "When you have a passion for something, you don't need a fancy degree."
Amen, sister.
Crêpe well.
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