First Taste: Josephine's Creperie & Bistro

Tucked in among the urban shops and restaurants of downtown Ferndale, Josephine's Creperie & Bistro brings a sense of old-world charm to the modern landscape. A bistro is a fixture -- a landmark like the post office or police station -- because the bistro’s sole purpose is to serve the community as a whole. Josephine’s embodies this value, appealing to every echelon of society.

Josephine’s atmosphere is very comfortable, homey, like a bistro should be. Dark, intimate lighting sets the backdrop to the warm space decorated with antiques and paintings by artist Ron Zakrin.

The menu is definitely French, swaying more toward hearty, well-portioned dishes, rather than dainty, over-complicated cuisine, which makes the American palate feel at home.

As the name suggests, crepes are a house specialty. The all-buckwheat crepes range from savory fillings of ham and cheese to chicken or seafood and dessert crepes with sweet fillings.

The crepes make good meals by themselves or can accompany one of the more substantial entrees made by chef and owner Bob Zagar. The focus is on traditional French dishes, and classics such as chicken coq au vin, braised short ribs and duck confit are all there, alongside fish and chicken dishes paired with fresh vegetables.

The only alcohol served is wine made on premise by Zagar and his wife Jeanine Henson. All of food is homemade, which brings Zagar and Henson closer to their customers and creates an even richer bistro experience. Cabernet franc, chardonnay, riesling, a champagne-style sparkling wine and black-raspberry dessert wine are offered.

Zagar and Henson prepare a special dinner, known as Last Wednesdays, once a month. The meal is $30 and usually has a theme -- often a regional cuisine of France or a French colony. Last Wednesdays give Zagar the opportunity to explore his culinary ascinations, creating dishes that sometimes never appear again and have regulars coming back every month for the fun and spontaneity of the event.

Get the full dish on Josephine's Creperie & Bistro