When you visit Spartanburg, SC, a delicious way to begin your day with Parisian flair is at Mon Amie Morning Café. Located on the city's east side, this eatery charms from the get-go with its garden-like patio, striped awnings and, on the inside, a bright, open-air dining room. If the weather is nice, dine al fresco, or head inside and take a seat at the circular dining bar, where you can sip French-pressed coffee while witnessing the creation of crepe masterpieces. Owners Nita Bevin and Matthew Angelakis want to engage all of your senses, so look, listen, smell and feel the ambience.
Sweet or savory, you can get the crepe you're craving, be it filled with meat, cheeses or sautéed vegetables. If you're in the mood for something fruity, order your crepe folded around fresh berries or bananas. For the finishing touch, ask for toasted nuts and a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Of course, there's also French toast - but don't expect fried white bread doused in syrup. Do expect an artistic arrangement of thickly sliced, cinnamon-spiced and butter-browned French bread garnished with your choice of fresh fruits, Meyer lemon cream, raspberry glaze, powdered sugar and other tasty toppings.
Pancakes are served with just as many options; get ‘em plain, fruity, or go wild with a version such as Chunky Monkey, a chocolate chip pancake wrapped around a whole sautéed banana, then drizzled with orange-maple and pecan syrups. Oh, and there's whipped cream and chocolate sauce just in case this isn't over-the-top enough for you.
Eggs are just the thing to fuel a hike on one of Spartanburg's many nature trails. Choose from omelets, quiches and a variety of Benedicts; in a nod to the region, a side of stone-ground grits is offered for a Southern-style start to your day.
Want something "lunchier?" Sink your fork into Mon Amie's Cobb salad: sliced baked chicken, crumbled bacon, avocado and fresh mixed greens - a traditional combo set off by homemade bleu cheese dressing. Burgers and sandwiches are on the menu, too. Pair them with Fabulous Frites -- fries tossed with herbs de Provence, Parmesan and sea salt. Kick up the French factor, and say "oui" to a coating of melted Brie. Ooh la la!
It might be prudent to eat only half your meal, though. Box up the leftovers for later so you can indulge in one of Mon Amie's decadent desserts: eclairs, Madeleines, cakes, crepes or pies. Or reverse that and box up dessert to eat while listening to live bands at Music on Main, the town's spring and summer free concert series at Morgan Square. Sweet!
Mon Amie Morning Café, located at 2601 E. Main St., Spartanburg, is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Call 864.541.7981 for daily specials.
