What Crêpe? -- A Birmingham Restaurant You Should Visit

What Crêpe? 172 N. Old Woodward Avenue
Birmingham, Michigan 48009
(north of Maple on the east side of the street)
248 792-5634 Tu-Th  11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday  11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday  9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday  9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays This “casual gourmet European-inspired restaurant” opened in Birmingham just one year ago, on Valentine’s Day of 2012.  The food is delicious, the decor is continental, and the service is excellent. Originally created in France, a crêpe is a thin pancake which can be stuffed with a wide variety of fillings.  The menu is divided into “savory” and “sweet” – for mealtimes and desserts.  Popular crêpes include the spicy chicken truffle, the signature ribeye truffle, and one with marinated chicken with carmelized apples, simply known as The Obvious. What Crêpe? offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dining selections.  It also has a Build-Your-Own option if you’re feeling inspired.  Dessert crêpes include the Nutty Monkey, the Chocolate Eclair, the Patriot, and Banana Exotique, as well as many other choices.  The menu is posted on their website www.whatcrepe.com, and you can also follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whatcrepe. The owner is Paul Jenkins, Jr. – known to everyone as P.J.  He also has What Crêpe? restaurants in Royal Oak (317 Washington, north of 4th) and Ann Arbor (241 E. Liberty).  The Royal Oak venue occasionally has live music.  Their regular singer, M.J., just made a music video in Los Angeles and also tried out for “The X-Factor” TV show. The other big news is that the Birmingham location of What Crêpe? has been approved for a bistro license, so it should start serving wine and beer next month.  When the weather gets more pleasant, there will be patio service on the sidewalk.  The restaurant does not take reservations so plan your visit accordingly.  As manager Brian Speer will assure you, “It’s well worth the wait!” --- This review was written by Birmingham photographer Ed Morykwas.  If you would like him to publicize your restaurant, business, or event for free, please send him an e-mail: ed@riveroftime.net