The Crema Cafe

What’s in a Crepe?

Crema Cafe — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:50:13 +0000

Crepes are a type of very thin pancake, made from flour, eggs, butter and milk. The name crepe is French, derived from the Latin “crispa,” which means curled. The versatility of the crepe is what makes it so appetizing. It can be prepared as a main dish or a dessert. At Crema Café, savory crepes are always made with a special 7-cheese blend and drizzled with a mild garlic cream sauce on top. They can be filled with a variety of cheeses, vegetables and meats. The savory crepe also comes with your choice of a mixed green salad, fresh fruit, or French fries. Sweet crepes always have fresh homemade whipped cream and caramel, as well as a light dusting of powdered sugar. The fillings are various fruits, Nutella, and different types of chocolates. And for both types of crepes, you can either order from the menu, or create your own!

New Years Hours

Crema Cafe — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:24:03 +0000

Join us for Breakfast or Lunch on Sunday, January 1st from 7am to 4pm. On Monday, January 2nd we’ll be open from 6:30 am to 3 pm. Thanks for your support and Happy New Year!

Are Potatoes Healthy?

Crema Cafe — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 07:09:26 +0000

Although considered by many to be the ultimate comfort food, potatoes are often perceived as unhealthy. Atkins and low-carb diets have unfairly maligned the humble spud and made it a guilty pleasure. However, potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, copper, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber. They contain no fat, cholesterol or sodium. Recent research by the USDA found that the phytochemical content in a potato rivals that of broccoli, spinach and Brussels sprouts. As with most foods, the key is moderation and preparation when incorporating potatoes into a healthy diet.

Potatoes are often disparaged for their gycemic index (GI), but according to the American Diabetes Association, a higher GI is common among nutritious foods. For example, oatmeal has a higher GI than chocolate. In 2005, the BBC News reported that potatoes contain chemicals called kukoamines that may help lower blood pressure. The fiber and protein in potatoes help to fill you up and keep you full for longer, making it easier to lose weight. Potatoes may help lower your risk for high cholesterol and heart disease due to the fiber and vitamin B-6 they contain. The vitamin B-6 in potatoes may also help lower your stress levels.

Furry Friends at the Crema

Crema Cafe — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:52:24 +0000

The Crema Cafe is a pet-friendly place to enjoy the best breakfast and lunch in Seal Beach! We want all dogs and owners to enjoy their time at the Crema Cafe. Please observe the following rules to ensure your safety and that of your dog:

Please keep your dog on a leash at all times.
Dogs are permitted in the outdoor patio area only.
Owners must clean up after their dog.
Owners are required to closely supervise their dog and at no time leave their dog unattended.
If your dog becomes unruly or aggressive, you must remove it from the premises immediately.
No dogs known to be aggressive toward other dogs or people (or exhibiting any threatening behavior) are allowed on the premises.
We assume no responsibility for any accidents/injuries to any dog and/or the dog’s owner anywhere on Crema Cafe property.

The Perfect Salad?

Crema Cafe — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 03:17:09 +0000

Insalata Caprese or the Caprese salad, is named for the Italian island of Capri, off the coast of the southern region of Campania. The most basic preparations of the Caprese contain only alternating slices of tomato, rounds of mozzarella and whole basil leaves — usually with a drizzle of olive oil. The Caprese is also known as the “Tricolore” or three-colored salad and is said to be the most patriotic of Italian salads as its colors are the same as the Italian flag (red, white and green). We make our Caprese salad with imported Buffalo mozzarella cheese, fresh locally grown tomatoes, made-from-scratch pesto sauce, and homemade balsamic vinaigrette. There are some that consider the Caprese the perfect salad. Simple, healthy and delicious. Try it and let us know what you think!

Say Bonjour to Mr. and Mrs. Croque

Crema Cafe — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 06:56:20 +0000

The Croque Monsieur is a hot ham and cheese grilled sandwich traditionally served in French bistros as a snack. Its name is comes from the French “croquer” meaning to crunch and the word “monsieur” or mister. The Croquet Monsieur first began appearing in Paris cafés and bars in 1910. The feminine version, the Croque Madame, includes a egg on top. The Crema Cafe interpretation of the Croque Monsieur includes honey-roasted ham, Swiss cheese and the additional wonderful texture of real bacon bits. Our Croque Madame is served atop an open-face croissant along with two sunny side up eggs and a made-from-scratch, hollandaise sauce. The next time you stop by the Crema Cafe, be sure and say hello to this delicious French couple on our menu.

The Power of the Blueberry

Crema Cafe — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:20:06 +0000

Blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant contents among all fruits and vegetables. An antioxidant naturally helps your body fight free radicals, organic molecules responsible for aging, tissue damage, and possibly some diseases. Antioxidants in blueberries help fight inflammation and lower bad LDL cholesterol, blood fats, and blood sugar. They are rich in vitamin C, B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, copper (an effective immune builder and anti-bacterial), selenium, zinc and iron (boosts your immune system and prevents infections). A study soon to be published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that diets supplemented with blueberry juice enhanced memory and learning in older adults, while reducing blood sugar and symptoms of depression. Some pretty amazing health benefits from a great tasting, sweet little berry! We offer lots of ways to get your blueberry on. Try our Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes, our Sweet Mixed Berry Crepes, as a topping on our Belgian Waffles or in our delicious Blueberry Muffins!

What is artisan bread?

Crema Cafe — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 20:17:01 +0000

Artisan bread is handcrafted, rather than mass-produced. It is made in small batches and special attention is paid to the ingredients and process of baking. Typically, only a few, simple ingredients are used in artisan breads. The main ingredients are water, salt, flour and yeast. Artisan bread does not contain preservatives, and thus does not last as long as breads that do. Due to the focus on high quality ingredients, the texture and complexity of flavor in artisan bread is superior to those of assembly-line, commercial breads. Enjoy some of our artisan Crema Cafe Wholegrain bread with any of our sandwiches or paninis.

Nutella and Crema Cafe Crepes

Crema Cafe — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 22:24:47 +0000

Nutella is spread is made with a combination of roasted hazelnuts, skim milk and cocoa. Nutella was created in the 1940s by a pastry maker named Pietro Ferrero. At the time, there was very little chocolate available because of cocoa rationing during World War II. Mr. Ferrero used hazelnuts, which are plentiful in the northwest area of Italy, to extend his supply of chocolate. The product became so popular that Italian food stores started a service where children could go to their local food store with a slice of bread and receive a topping of Nutella.

We offer a Nutella filling with a number of our sweet crepes. Available with fresh strawberries, bananas and caramel or with sliced bananas or you can enjoy a crepe with the pure creamy decadence of Nutella alone.

Our Prosciutto Mozzarella Panini

Crema Cafe — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 05:45:42 +0000

Prosciutto, Italian for ham, is a spiced ham that has been dry-cured for up to two years. It is usually served thinly sliced and originates from the central and northern parts of Italy. Mozzarella is a textured cheese traditionally made from the milk of water buffalo, but is more commonly made from cow’s milk. Mozzarella gets its name from the last step in its production when a long strand of fresh mozzarella is pulled and cut. The Italian verb mozzare means “to cut.” Our Prosciutto Mozzarella Panini features the delicious Italian ham, with a blend of melted imported Mozzarella and Swiss cheeses along with fresh tomatoes and our own pesto sauce.