The French crepe comes to Airstream Row by Wendy O. Dixon
Since he was five years old, Jay Eichelberger has spent his summers coming to Seaside. His family bought a cottage on Tupelo Street called Limoncello, which served as home base for his carefree and fun summer days of every kid’s dreams.
“I fell in love with Airstream Row, seeing new Airstreams added over the years, and thought one day I’d like to be a part of that,” he says.
Years later, Jay introduced the love of his life, Liz, to Seaside. For years, the couple hit the road from Atlanta to Seaside, making a routine of strolling to Modica Market for their daily iced coffee.
On Halloween Day in 2015, Jay and Liz were again at Modica Market, where Jay had arranged with Modica owner Charlie Modica Jr. to make a special sign inspired by his favorite neighborhood grocery store. In the same signage as Modica’s lettering were the words, “Liz, will you marry me?” As Jay, on bended knee, asked Liz to be his bride, the costumed crowd of ghouls, goblins and super heroes cheered their well wishes.
Jay and Liz were married Oct. 22, 2016, and held a reception on Seaside’s Lyceum Lawn, with Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant catering. Chef Rob Masone, from Charlotte, N.C., catered the rehearsal dinner and Sunday brunch at Jay’s family’s cottage. He, too, fell in love with Seaside and gave Jay and Liz the final encouragement to make their dream of being a part of Airstream Row a reality.
Their Airstream, named Crêpes du Soleil, specializing in sweet and savory crepes, opened in August. The menu features traditional crepes, including Crepes Suzette, a French dessert crepe served with a sauce of caramelized sugar, butter, orange zest, brandy and Grand Marnier. Other favorites on the sweet side are the Nutella crepes and chocolate mousse crepes, a twist on what is typically a chocolate syrup-drizzled crepe. “During the early meetings, they (Seaside Community Development Corp. staff) wanted us to bring a dish,” Liz says. “We served them the chocolate mousse in mason jars, which is a crowd pleaser and which we really enjoy making. And the committee insisted we put it on the menu and to also incorporate it into a crepe because it was such a hit.”
Craving a savory dish? Try the Peppered Pig, a spin on the Cuban sandwich, made with roasted pork, pickles and spicy mustard. A classic crepe with Swiss, ham and egg is also on the menu, as is the all-day breakfast crepe. In addition, Crêpes du Soleil has daily specials, allowing Jay and Liz to get creative with their crepes.
The crepe Airstream offers alcoholic drinks as well, including French and Belgian beers. Their signature drink, a frozen rose served ice cold with fresh berries, is ideal with a stroll through town.
“We’re super excited to be a part of Seaside,” Jay adds. “I remember bringing my friends here for spring break. We ate at Barefoot B-B-Q and the other Airstreams, and my friends were so amazed at Seaside and all the delicious food available. I hope we can help other people feel that way, too.”
Visit us on facebook @ Crêpes du Soleil, or our website crepesdusoleil.com.