Time for a little French lesson Merritt: Petit Café Diane is French for delicious food.

Well, that may not be the direct translation, but that’s what you’ll get if you sit down for a meal in Merritt’s newest café.

Petit Café Diane is located right next to the Adelphi Hotel on Quilchena Avenue. I went there for a cup of coffee and a crepe on assignment for the Merritt News—man, I love my job—and brought with me an old friend who just returned from medical school in Europe for the summer.

The café has a friendly, slightly country feel to it, which fits in perfectly with the growing western theme of the downtown area.

We sat down and were promptly greeted by the owner, cook, and sometimes server, Diane Bouchard.

Bouchard is a native of Quebec and while her accent still flavours her speech, she has no issues communicating in English.

“I am switching to the French style to show a different style of cooking,” said Bouchard.

For the past couple years, Bouchard had been working in the kitchen at the Quilchena Hotel, preparing traditional dishes there, but since the opening of her café on May 1, she has been able to branch out from the traditional and bring the food of her youth to Merritt.

My friend and I told Bouchard we wanted to try something French with our coffees. She brought us a sweet crepe stuffed with fresh strawberry and pineapple, topped with whipped cream, and garnished with chocolate shavings and a little sirop d’erable—that’s maple syrup for us English speakers. It didn’t last very long and our empty plates, every last drop of syrup and speck of crepe scooped up, spoke to the taste of the dish.

I asked Bouchard if she had a favourite dish, but she said that she eats it all.

The taste of this cultural cuisine brought me back to a trip I took to France a few years ago, but Bouchard was quick to remind me that being French does not mean being from France.

“French is not just France, it’s half the world,” said Bouchard.

Bouchard’s menu offers many traditional Quebecois dishes including the ever-popular poutine. Also on the menu is the croque monsieur, which is a French take on a grilled cheese sandwich with ham.

The café owner also does catering and her space is available for events, be it a breakfast meeting, or a party in the evening.

As we left, thanking Bouchard for the tasty meal and wholehearted hospitality, she offered us a bite of her lunch, a chicken crepe with white mushroom sauce served with couscous and salad.

“I think this one is my favourite,” said Bouchard with a wink.

I nodded my approval, my mouth busy chewing the savoury snack.