Traveling the country is some of my fondest childhood memories, and as an adult, I want to continue to broaden my horizons outside of the U.S. While I’ve never been to Paris (hopefully someday I will), and often find myself living vicariously through the photos of my friend Tiffani (who’s been twice), I recently learned I don’t have to travel nearly 10 hours on a plane to the “City of Love” to experience the culture. I discovered 3 Days in Paris, the ultimate destination for crepe lovers, which specializes in creating Parisian, street-style hand-held, sweet and savory crepes.
After connecting with the restaurant, located in the City Market, I got a chance to set up a date to visit the owners of the eatery. I was greeted by Joe Hamgeri and Ian Illig, the recent new owners of 3 Days in Paris, who acquired the 5-year-old food stand after the previous owners decided to retire and continue traveling the world. I learned, from Illig, that the previous owners spent three days in Paris soaking up all the city had to offer, including the tastes and smells, and wanted to replicate that experience for those in Indianapolis.
“There was a long list of reasons why we were interested in taking over 3 Days in Paris, so I was like, why not,” said Illig. “Both Joe and I overlap on a few things such as our love for the Indianapolis community, and we are committed to it. We love the restaurant scene, and I personally love to (have) unique experiences at restaurants that you can’t get at other places, and that’s what we have here.”
So I have to admit, I’d never had a crepe until the day I got to 3 Days in Paris. I always pictured crepes as too sweet with lots of syrup and other items I’m a not a fan of, but I wanted to give them a try, as the restaurant’s pictures looked great.
The menu included about nine crepes and a few specialty items. The crepe list included Green Eggs & Ham with egg, ham, mozzarella, spinach and pesto; and the Buffalo made with chicken, bleu and mozzarella cheeses, ranch and wing sauce and celery, among others.
I told Illig and Hamgeri I was interested in trying each of their favorite crepes — the Hot Date crepe and the Red Bacon & Eggs crepe.
About five minutes later, my two crepes were ready, and I was ready to dig in. First I tried the Hot Date crepe filled with cheese, bacon, onions and dates. The taste was interesting; I can’t quite explain it any other way than sweet and cheesy. I wasn’t really sure how to eat it, because forks and knives were available, but the crepe shape resembled a quesadilla. Long story short, I figured it out.
Next, I tried the Red Eggs & Bacon crepe made with egg, bacon, Havarti cheese, spinach and roasted red pepper sauce. This was my favorite of the two and one I would definitely order again. The saltiness of the bacon was a great combination with the egg and spinach. I actually wanted another, but both crepes were really filling!
On my visit I learned 3 Days in Paris will host a relaunch event Nov. 13 from 7-10 a.m. with a new logo, redesigned menu, two new crepes and more.
Overall, I truly enjoyed my experience at 3 Days in Paris, and while I didn’t get to actually travel to Paris, the restaurant did change my perspective of crepes and helped me get a taste of France’s capital.
3 Days in Paris
222 E. Market St.
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 912-0072
Monday–Saturday
9 a.m.–2 p.m.
