Tony Cheverez and his daughter Rosina Marie had one very memorable family vacation.
Following an overseas excursion, they were so wowed by Paris that they wanted to bring a taste of the City of Light back to Mechanicsburg.
“We were inspired to open Chef de Crêpe after a family trip to France,” explained Rosina Marie.
The eatery, located in a former Subway restaurant on the corner of West Main and Railroad streets, opened in December, just as another lockdown order went into effect. However, the community was welcoming, she said, and they did a brisk takeout business until mandates were lifted.
This isn’t the family’s first foray into the food world. They also run a catering business and a food truck and have appeared as a pop-up business at various events. The new store is just another way for them to serve the public, said Rosina Marie.
When customers enter the snug eatery, they see attractive chandeliers, white tablecloths, Paris scenes and family photos festooning the walls as they are greeted by the staff with a cheery, “Bonjour!”
Patrons place their order at a serving station at the front of the restaurant where their food is prepared before them. The handheld crepes can be eaten as a meal or a dessert.
According to Rosina Marie, one of the most popular choices is the “Mexi-Steak,” which is comprised of steak, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, sautéed onions, red peppers, cheddar cheese and cilantro. A selection of breakfast crepes is served all day, with ingredients like eggs, bacon, cheddar and ham.
Those who like sweets have been known to enjoy a popular crepe called, “The New Yorker’s Gift,” comprised of cheesecake, strawberries, banana, Nutella and whipped cream.
“Many of our customers pair that with a cup of coffee, which we source from Lonely Monk Coffee Roasting in Lemoyne, which is fantastic,” said Rosina Marie, who also owns a bakery by the name of Frosting & Co., where she makes custom cakes and croissants for the eatery.
Those seeking out more traditional fare have their choice of soups, sandwiches and salads.
Janet Close travels from Hummelstown to dine at the restaurant and calls it a “breath of fresh air.”
“The interior has been transformed into a scene right out of Paris,” she said. “Not only is the décor exquisite, but the ambiance is warm and inviting.”
Her favorite savory crepe is the chicken Florentine, with chicken, sautéed mushrooms, red onions, cream cheese, garlic and bechamel sauce. Her favorite dessert crepe, “La Parisienne,” is made with Grand Marnier, raspberries and chocolate sauce.
“I’d recommend the restaurant for a quiet business meeting or a girls’ brunch—just remember to bring your own mimosas,” she said.
Mike Hetrick of Enola first tasted the Cheverez family’s fare when their food truck came to his Westbury neighborhood.
“We ordered several different crepes,” he said. “My wife and I enjoyed the cheesesteak crepe, and my girls liked the honey mustard chicken, and we all enjoyed the Nutella and crème crepe.”
Rosina Marie said that they have been overwhelmed at the outpouring of support, which inspires them to do their best to continue to make their customers happy.
“We will continue to strive to be a family friendly and culturally distinguished French crêperie and café for all to enjoy,” she said, with a smile.
Chef de Crêpe is located at 20 W. Main St. in Mechanicsburg. For more information, call 717-603-3821 or visit www.chefdecrepes.com or their Facebook page.
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