In past years, food trucks have redefined the phrase “fast food.” Having established followings by setting up shop near high-traffic city centers, many mobile eateries have been spotted in the suburbs in hopes of reaching new and curious customers.
French-born chef Florence Aymard, however, has made a name for herself in Plymouth alone, camping out regularly during warmer months outside Life Time Fitness on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Once a healthcare professional for GE Healthcare Services, Aymard always had a passion for food and has taken classes to specialize in traditional French cuisine, pastries and sugar sculpture. She has operated the only crepe truck in Minnesota, Crepe and Cake, since January 2014.
Along with crepe cakes and traditional French canelés, Aymard says her top sellers are her savory crepes ($7). Her much-talked-about gruyere and ham crepe ranks No. 1, but her vegetarian option is a close second. “People really liked the organic strawberry and dark chocolate ($5),” says the chef, who has now added a gluten-free option to her menu. She reveals a special “crepe of the week” every Monday on her Facebook page. Recently, Aymard has traveled to the Maple Grove and Excelsior farmers markets and ventures out to Chaska and St. Paul, too. “I try to park at lots of community events,” she says. “Everyone appreciates the food and is so nice. I love being the Crepe Lady.”