The Crêpes At This Mexican-Parisian Fusion Brunch Spot In Illinois Will Transport You Straight To A French Café
By Linze Rice|Published March 06, 2023
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Linze Rice
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Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
In Chicago and its suburbs, there is no shortage of incredible options when it comes to a hearty brunch. From Greek to Indian to old-fashioned country cooking, hungry folks are almost never at a loss for the flavors they crave here in Illinois. But wouldn’t it be great if you could actually go to the place where your meal’s flavors are inspired by — without ever leaving the state? That’s exactly the case in at the restaurant in this historic suburb, which serves up the best crêpes in Oak Park, Illinois.
Crepas Culichi, located at 1101 Lake St. in Oak Park, Illinois, is a family-owned restaurant that has perfectly blended a French café with the beloved flavors of classic Mexican dishes. Its interior is full of incredible, elegant details that instantly transport you to Paris.
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From the plates, to the dishes, chandeliers, ornate lamps, and more — no detail is overlooked. You feel fully immersed in the theme without feeling overwhelmed.
Each meal begins with a shareable plate of warm bread and jam.
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Though the menu offers breakfast favorites like chilaquiles and eggs Benedict, its main attraction is the crêpe — available in both sweet and savory flavors. Here is the Classic crêpe, which fills the thin dough with Nutella, strawberry, and banana and tops it with a Nutella drizzle, ice cream, and a chocolate pendant.
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The Strawberry crêpe has a strawberry-flavored wrapping and oozes jam, chocolate mousse, and strawberry slices, and is topped with ice cream and crunchy granola.
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Another favorite is the Pistachio crêpe, which stuffs together dulche de leche and banana and is topped with — you guessed it — delicious ice cream.
For those who want the crêpe experience without the sweetness, the savory options exude rich flavor. A popular choice is the Savory Culichi Crepe, which serves up semi-spicy chicken tinga, caramelized onions, and parmesan cheese, topped with sour cream and chipotle drizzles.
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Regulars know to add an egg — any style — on top of any of the savory crêpes for only $2 more.
Don't forget to order a heart-shaped cup of house made Mexican coffee, rich with delicious spices.
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Or, go the cold brew route with an espresso martini, a staff and customer favorite.
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Of course, brunch in "Paris" wouldn't be complete without a sparkling mimosa — and you can choose to have it flavored with lavender, rose, cotton candy, or original with a gold cherry.
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Breakfast can easily turn into brunch with the rest of the diner's artistic cocktails, such as The Butterfly Lady, which creates a giant, fog-filled bubble that creates a beautiful mist when it pops.
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So, while Paris isn’t exactly a feasible place for Illinoisians to enjoy Sunday brunch, this stunning restaurant does bring it a little closer to home.
Have you ever been to Crepas Culichi? Do you think they serve the best crêpes in Oak Park, Illinois? What dish or drink would you want to try most? Tell us in the comments! And while you’re in Oak Park, check out its awe-inspiring plant conservatory or visit one of the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, like the astonishing Unity Temple.
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