Midtown Lunch

A little while after discovering Tuck Shop hidden inside the CyberCafe, I noticed another sign go up in the window.  “Madeleine ‘The Crepe Lady’.  Making Crepes Wednesday -Sunday 10am to 4pm”.  I’m intrigued.  Tell me more, oh window of the CyberCafe…  An article posted next to the sign went in depth about this “Crepe Lady” who served up delicious crepes in a kiosk in Central Park.  Well apparently she’s at the CyberCafe now… and Central Park’s loss, is Midtown’s gain!

Tuck Shop in the CyberCafe was weird enough.  But now this place has got a “Crepe Lady”.  Total craziness…  what kind of internet cafe is this???  But who am I to argue with this kind of deliciousness.  Thankfully I didn’t let the surroundings fool me into not trying a crepe, because Madeleine is the real deal.  And by real deal I mean this sweet, charming, amazing “Crepe Lady” is actually from Brittany…  the birthplace of crepes.  And she’s been making these French treats since she was 13 years old!  I think it’s safe to say she knows what she’s doing.

Food porn, the complete list of what she serves, and the +/- (with not so much of the minus), after the jump…

Crepe places have been popping up around the country in the past 10 years, but Madeleine’s are the original.  These aren’t mall food court crepes, folded into a portable triangle, with a thick crispy pancake making you feel like you’re holding a brick.  Madeleine’s crepes are expertly made, with an ultra thin skin that takes real talent to pull off.  They are served on a plate, and must be eaten with a knife and fork.  I’m curious how you would ever take one of these delicate treats to go… but apparently it can be done (she used to serve them in Central Park!).  I’ve never been to Brittany… but I imagine this is what it taste likes.

Madeleine has almost every kind of crepe filling you could want, including Apricot Jam ($5), Lemon & Honey ($5), Bananas ($6), Apples ($6), Peaches ($7.50), and of course Nutella (the chocolate hazelnut spread).  If savory is what you are looking for, she makes a Mushroom and Cheese Crepe ($7.50), a Ham & Cheese Crepe ($7.50) and an Apple and Brie Crepe ($7.50).  Or have a semi-“liquid” lunch with a Chestnut/Rum crepe ($7.50), or a Grand Marnier Crepe ($5).  Every crepe is made to order, right in front of you, by Madeleine herself.

We had the Mushroom & Cheese crepe (along with a pie from the tuck shop as our lunch), and the peach crepe for dessert, which on that day was made with white peaches and an applesauce that Madeleine had made fresh that morning.  Decadent and delicious!  If crepes aren’t your thing, she also makes quiches, and a bunch of different pastries- like a Danish Pudding, and a french style “King Cake” that was awesome with a cup of tea.  Friday through Sunday she makes Omelets… so if you don’t work in Midtown, you can go visit her on the weekend for brunch!

If you eat lunch in Midtown, you have to go visit Madeliene.  She’s a true jem, and a unique and authentic Midtown find amidst a sea of generic delis and assembly line fast food.  She claims to be the “last person in New York who knows how to make a real crepe”.  After you taste them, you just might agree!

THE +

• If you are into crepes, these are the real deal, Brittany style crepes
• They are made fresh to order by Madeliene herself
• She used to run a kiosk in Central Park, so they can obviously be taken to go (although I’m curious how!?!  they are so delicate)
• Fresh, home-made toppings.  She made the applesauce for the crepes that morning!
• The savory crepes are good…. but the sweet is where it’s at!!!  Make sure to go with a friend or co-worker… it’s perfect to share.
• Madeleine is the sweetest lady, and is happy to tell you about everything she makes.  Plus she’d probably make you whatever you want- as long as she has the ingredients
• Madeliene makes tons of other things… Quiche, Omelets (Fri-Sun), and amazing home-made pastries.

THE –

• She’s only there Wednesday through Sunday during lunchtime.  Screw you Monday & Tuesday
• The CyberCafe is no Central Park… but one bite of the crepe, and you’ll forget where you are!
• The savory crepe alone is not enough food for lunch (and costs $7.50), so I would recommend to go with a friend or co-worker, each get a pie from the Tuck Shop for lunch, and split a dessert crepe afterwards!!!

Madeleine “The Crepe Lady”(in the CyberCafe), 250 W. 49th St. (btw. B’way & 8th)  212-757-8481