Pates et Traditions

The French corner storefront is adorable and cutely decorated, you will forget you are in faddy Williamsburg. The rosy and soft décor makes you smile in a rainy Fall evening.

The service is just as charming. The owner is French; a lovely petite woman who happens to be the server recommends several of her favorite dishes: La Socca, a specialty pancake-like comfort food from Nice, made of organic chickpeas flour cooked in olive oil seasoned with ground pepper. Not familiar with this dish, it was appreciably tasty but deeply charred; and poorly handled. With some eager research: traditional la socca should not be overly burnt but slightly toasted brown. My la socca lost its traditional pancake form; it was overcooked and served in broken pieces with chunks of burnt marks. Despite the technique, chickpeas and freshly ground pepper are a flavorsome pairing.

Specializing in crepes: both sweet and savory; the most selective eaters can find something for themselves in this fairly extended crepe menu. Crepes are made with whole buckwheat; served in healthy sized portions with mixed greens. For the goat cheese lover; opt for the La Chevre with green tapenade. The highlight of my meal comes during dessert: a warm crepe topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream drizzled with homemade chocolate sauce and whipped cream.

Don’t expect a three star chef in the kitchen but if light and basic fare with a darling décor and charming ambiance is what you seek, then Pates et Traditions welcomes you with open daisies. The service is exceptionally attentive; and it has French admirers coming back for more.

Pates et Traditions 52 Havemeyer St, Brooklyn 11211 (At N 6th St) (646) 409-4019