Ooh la lah! In a French twist on Lady and the Tramp, dogs can now enjoy a delicious dining out experience at a St Kilda restaurant, Chez Misty
Named in honour of their 15-year-old rescue pooch, Cherry and Marc, together with Mathilde, opened what they believe to be the world’s first dog creperie in December.
The feedback has been pawsome, with two and four-legged diners lapping up the sweet and savoury crepes, smoothies and coffees or kefir-based puppuccinos.
Originally from France, Cherry and Marc have adapted the crepes to suit their human and canine clientele. The Chez Misty dining experience involves two menus – and separate plates.
While gluten-free buckwheat flour is used in the batter for both versions, pet nutritionist Cherry has tweaked the canine crepes to omit butter, milk, eggs and salt. Lean fish and meat are the stars of the filling, complemented by cooked vegetable leaves.
Humans can tuck into organic chocolate sauce, salted caramel and a new “pavlova” inspired crepe without leaving their good boys and girls at home.
And if you feel Rover also deserves a birthday party, a crepe doggy birthday cake with a candle can be ordered for a group booking.
“Dog birthday parties are fun and give people a lot of pleasure,” Marc said. “In one month, we’ve already had about seven dog birthday celebrations and only one for a human.”
And that’s no surprise, as fur babies are increasingly regarded as much-loved family members. In line with that sentiment, the couple’s ultimate pooch passion project is evolve the restaurant into a dog wellness hub.
Cherry is already developing natural “dogsmetic” products she wants to sell here and overseas. Soaps with argan oil and a paw cream with goldenseal, coconut oil and beeswax are being fine-tuned.
“Dogs are extremely sensitive so you need to be aware of preservatives and the correct pH for their skin. And some plant-based products, such a tea-tree oil, can be harmful for dogs,” Cherry said.
In the meantime, there is a separate dog lounging area at the restaurant and Marc, a qualified dog trainer, is hosting puppy socialisation dinners where puppers - and their owners - can form friendships.
A crepe-themed brunch before a stand-up paddling adventure (dog lifejacket included) went swimmingly and there will soon be opportunities to do a downward facing dog, with your dog, in Doga classes.
The couple say St Kilda has proven to be a great place to start their business.
“Council and the community have been very supportive,” Marc said.
“The friendship of people in St Kilda is very important to us. It feels a bit like we are still in Europe, there a sense of freedom and being very open to new things here,” Cherry added.
Chez Misty is at 103 Grey St, St Kilda. Bookings are recommended. Humans without a canine companion are welcome to come along and enjoy a crepe while admiring the doggy diners.
For more information go to https://www.chezmisty.com.au/ or call 0385 970 307.
Bon(e) appetit!
