“La Chandeleur” a time-honoured French tradition
Winter's chill gives way to warmth as the French celebrate la Chandeleur. This ancient festivity, nestled between the winter solstice and spring equinox, brings hope to February's frosty days. Rooted in religious and pagan practices, la Chandeleur holds a special spot in French hearts. At its core, lies a beloved culinary tradition: crafting and savouring delicate crepes.
Legend traces la Chandeleur back to Christian origins, marking Jesus' presentation at the temple and Mary's purification, 40 days after his birth. Candles, blessed in churches, symbolize Christ's light in winter's darkness. Over time, Christian customs melded with pagan rites celebrating earth's fertility and renewal, weaving into France's cultural fabric.
La Chandeleur's essence is in making and enjoying crepes, thin pancakes symbolizing the sun's warmth and good fortune. Families and friends gather, pouring batter onto hot griddles and flipping crepes with practiced ease. The air fills with the aroma of sizzling butter and laughter, as loved ones bond over tradition.
Beyond symbolism, crepes play a practical role. Legend holds that successfully flipping a crepe while holding a coin ensures luck and prosperity for the year ahead. This adds excitement to culinary festivities, as participants aim for the perfect flip. Whether mastering this skill or relishing crepes filled with strawberries, bananas, ham, or cheese, la Chandeleur offers a feast for the senses.
In Vancouver's vibrant cityscape, la Chandeleur has found a new home. Here, French expatriates and crepe lovers gather to honour the tradition and indulge in the timeless art of crepe-making. Join us as we explore the enchanting world of Chandeleur and the universal joy of crepes.
Les crepes: A Chandeleur Favorite
As a French boy growing up, Chandeleur was a highly anticipated event in my household. It wasn't just another day on the calendar; it was a time-honoured tradition that brought the family together in the warm embrace of culinary delights. At the heart of this celebration were the beloved crepes, those thin, golden pancakes that hold a special place in my childhood memories.
In the days leading up to la Chandeleur, there was an air of excitement in our home.
When the time finally arrived, we watched in awe as the batter sizzled on the hot griddle, spreading into a thin, lacy pattern that promised deliciousness with every bite. I admired my mother's skill as she expertly flipped the crepes, each one landing back in the pan with a satisfying sizzle, we would also take turns trying to flip the crepe in the air, with most attempts successful but not always.
But it wasn't just the cooking process that captivated me; it was the anticipation of what was to come. Sweet crepes, filled with strawberries and bananas, held the promise of springtime freshness, while savory options like ham and cheese provided a comforting warmth that was especially welcome on chilly winter afternoons.
As we sat down to enjoy our crepes, the table would be filled with an array of toppings and fillings, each one more enticing than the last. Some of us preferred a simple sprinkle of sugar, accompanied by a squeeze of lemon—a classic combination that never failed to delight. Others favoured indulgent chocolate spreads or fruit jams, their flavours melding perfectly with the delicate texture of the crepes.
But no matter how we chose to enjoy them, one thing was certain: crepes were more than just food; they were a symbol of togetherness, love, and tradition. And as we savoured each bite, surrounded by the warmth and laughter of family, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the cherished memories that Chandeleur and its crepe-eating tradition had given me.
Indulging in Sweet Bliss
As Chandeleur nears, the anticipation of sweet crepes with strawberries and bananas grows. These treats, essential to Chandeleur, are elevated with toppings like Nutella, maple syrup, and whipped cream.
Crafting these heavenly crepes starts with the batter—a blend of flour, eggs, milk, and butter. Once cooked, the crepes are decorated with slices of banana or strawberry. But what truly makes them special are the toppings. Nutella adds a rich, chocolatey flavor, while maple syrup brings classic sweetness. Freshly whipped cream adds a light texture, creating a symphony of flavours.
Satisfying Savory Cravings with Ham & Cheese or Bacon & Brie Crepes
While sweet crepes shine during la Chandeleur, savoury options like ham and cheese or bacon and Brie hold their own. These savoury delights offer a comforting contrast to the sweet treats, satisfying cravings with their rich flavors.
Filled with savoury ham and gooey cheese or crispy bacon and creamy Brie, these crepes are classics.
Bistrotvan, our food truck takes these classics to the next level. Our ham and cheese crepes feature freshly sliced gently smoked ham and French Comté cheese grilled on a hot griddle, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavour. As for our bacon and Brie crepes, they are a masterpiece of culinary craftsmanship. Picture a bed of French seeded mustard melted brie, topped with freshly sizzled bacon, accompanied by sautéed garlic and thyme mushrooms, all sprinkled with almond flakes and walnuts. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, elevating the savoury crepe experience to new heights.
Embracing Authenticity: French Crepes in Vancouver
Bistrotvan brings a taste of France right here in Vancouver inviting locals and visitors to join in the celebration of La Chandeleur’s delicious tradition with each bite.
What sets our French crepes apart is our commitment to quality. Our crepes are freshly made to order, crafted with care with high quality ingredients. Each step of the crepe-making process is infused with attention to detail, ensuring a culinary experience that delights patrons and keeps them coming back for more.
Beyond the food itself, Bistrotvan and its French crepes offer a glimpse into French culture and tradition. With each bite, patrons are transported to the charming streets of France, enjoying the warmth and hospitality of French cuisine.
Want to master the Art? Join Crepe Classes!
For those eager to learn the art of crepe-making, Le Petit Atelier offer crepe classes, a fun and educational hands-on experience. To a novice or an experienced cook, these classes provide an opportunity to explore traditional French cuisine and connect with others who share a passion for food.
In Vancouver, crepe classes cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Participants learn the fundamentals of crepe-making and explore creative fillings and toppings, gaining confidence and skills to recreate these culinary delights at home.
So why wait? Book us for a class today and embark on a culinary journey that's as delicious as it is educational!