Pâtisserie Ann Marie
1 Ramsden Road
Balham
SW12 8QX
by Bree Oshe
Pâtisserie Ann Marie appears like a mirage upon the vista of Balham High Road: a tiny fragment of Paris, transported through time and space, providing everything you could desire in terms of Franglaise cuisine. Upon entering you feel as if you’ve stepped out of droll, repetitive London and into another more pleasant reality, one where the furniture is old and heavy and delicious tartlets glimmer on the horizon (and the staff really are French, so your imaginary Gallic séjour feels all the more real).
Aujourd’hui I chose the crêpe Parisienne. I must admit I was a little disappointed on its arrival, having hoped for a large buckwheat galette similar to those I demolished daily during my time as an art student in Nantes. Instead I was presented with a modest, perfectly toasted semicircle of pancake, filled generously with fresh salmon and oozings of melted cream cheese. The side salad was a typically bland lettuce and tomato combination but that said it was fresh and crispy, making a good contrast to the richness of the pancake. Although it was not the best breakfast crêpe I have ever had (and I have had many), for a mere £3.85 it was excellent value for money and a delicious and light alternative for those feeling a little fragile on a Sunday morning.
Pâtisserie Ann Marie has won a place in my heart (and in my stomach) not just for the quality and variety of the food but because of the charming possibility it gives you for a little escapism, without actually having to go anywhere.
2 comments:
its gone now - the smoking ban probably helped in part. replaced with 'gazette' (its sister restaurant already established in battersea i believe). Keeping with the french theme though, its replacement has done very well in establishing its reputation quickly. very hearty breakfasts, omelettes, croissant, eggs as you'd expect, and excellent lunch and evening dinners also. well worth a review from the LRB, i'd say.
Hi There, There are some really stunning new places for brekkie in Balham. Gazette is a fab spot for something Parisian. With homemade preserves and great coffee, they’re mix bread basket is enough to settle in and read the papers all morning. But Harrisons does amazing Buttermilk Pancakes with Creme Fraiche & Blueberry Compote which is worth breaking any diet for. The Fat delicatessen and Trinity Store are both much small and less commercials spots which should defiantly be visited. Anyway, I thought I’d encourage a trip down to SW12 and mention TheModelFoodie.com for some at home option. Thanks for the writing. Bailee
Post a Comment