HIDDEN GEM: MOLINA'S CRÊPERIE

Off, Off, Off, the Beaten Path

I would have never discovered Molina’s Crêperie if not for the suggestion sent to me many weeks ago by a reader who I later learned (her identity not evident by the email address) is none other than Briaunna of Saguaro Sweet Tooth. That was a fun discovery, especially since I just connected with her in person a few weeks ago!

When I finally got to the place in my schedule where I had time to visit and investigate, I was happy to see Molina’s menu offered gluten-free crêpe options and alternatives to milk products as I have sensitivities to both.

My dietary restrictions often limit me from trying new things and I was initially concerned that would be the case with Molina’s. I had never had a crêpe before, but I knew they are made with batter so I didn’t think I’d be able to try them. Luckily I was wrong in my initial assumption!

Sweet or Savory

Crêpes can be sweet or savory and I admit that prior to coming here to Molina’s, I wasn’t sure I’d like either. I don’t like to eat sweet things for breakfast because I just want to nap after I eat something high in sugar. In the days before my visit, as I studied the menu, I became more and more excited about what I was going to try.

When the day finally came to visit, I was eager to try both the savory crêpe & the coffee drink I had already pre-selected on the menu.

Exceptional Service!

My entire first visit (and later 3rd visit) was a stellar experience because of the EXCEPTIONAL service I received from start to finish from Sammii!

When I first walked in and introduced myself to the lady at the register and explained the reason for my visit, it was Sammii who right away interjected and told me what I should order.

A Hidden Gem at A Hidden Gem

As I waited for my order, Sammii came out to talk to me and let me tell you, this girl is a people person and a hard & conscientious worker! An employee like this is a rare find - she is truly a hidden gem at a hidden gem!

I also learned that she is a certified & registered home baker and sells her goods around town! She has quite a following! Be sure to check her out on Instagram @thesweetspot.az!

It is evident how much Sammii cares about her customers and about Molina’s! Having visited both when she is working and went she wasn’t, I would highly suggest you visit when she’s there. She is off on Tuesdays (Molina’s is closed) and Thursdays.

Meet My Crêpe

I had waited all day to eat (remember that intermittent fasting thing I told you about before 😅 ) so by the time my lunch was delivered I was pretty hungry.

Based on Sammi’s advice, I ordered the “Bacon Breakfast Crêpe” - “chorizo flavored” - which Sammii explained meant that the chorizo is incorporated into the crêpe batter. I couldn’t distinguish the taste of the chorizo in mine, and the other option - the one I had planned on ordering - is “cilantro” and that may have a stronger, more noticeable flavor. This made no difference to me as the crêpe I devoured was a flavor explosion (see photo below for list of ingredients).

They were also able to make my crêpe gluten-free and that was only an additional $0.25! Normally, it’s a lot more expensive to have a dish made gluten-free!

I should have stopped half way through eating it but I couldn’t contain myself… and this ended up being all I ate that day! I wish I would’ve taken a picture of the inside (well, I did, but not until I was almost finished 😆 and it’s not pretty so I can’t bear to share it).

My Coffee

I usually make my coffee at home because I have a difficult time getting it the way I like it when I order from shops. I enlisted Sammii’s advice on this too because I wanted to be sure my iced coffee wasn’t too sweet. Sammii suggested “half-sweet” and it was really, really good! Specifically, I got the “Molina’s Mocha” iced, half-sweet, with oat milk (only $0.25 for that substitution!), no whip. Pictured in the collage above.

On my 2nd visit (when Sammii wasn’t there), I ordered the same thing and it turned out the same! Just as good! Whew!

On my 3rd visit (this morning - to snap a picture of Sammii), I wanted something different, something not so sugary - I didn’t want the sugar crash because I still had to go home and write this. Sammii again came to my rescue and said lattes are popular amongst her customers. So, today I ordered a medium Vanilla Latte, iced, with oat milk, half-sweet! It was really good and will be my new go-to standard coffee drink I order!

And, get this, Sammii doesn’t even drink coffee! I find it remarkable she’s able to create such a perfect cup without even knowing how it tastes!

The Atmosphere

Right when I walked in, I noticed how clean and sparkling Molina’s is! That is my top requirement in a food establishment! Overall the place had a chill, upbeat vibe on my first visit and I came to learn (after visiting again on her day off) that Sammii’s presence at Molina’s has a lot to do with that!

When I went back the third time (this morning), the background music was again playing and I got the same friendly vibe as I experienced my first time visiting there.

Beehind the Business

Sadly, I wasn’t able to meet or speak to the owners but unbeknownst to me, Sammii called them while I was there the first time and they insisted giving me a dessert crêpe! This girl! Such initiative!

And, thank you to the owners for sending me home with a “Churro Crêpe” which was also made gluten-free for me. My husband - who has also never had a crêpe before, loved it, especially the fancy, flavored whipped cream that came with it.

Getting There

Molina’s is 9.5 miles from my house in Verrado and it took me 15 minutes to get there. Sure, I could have taken the I-10 to Miller and maybe saved a few minutes, but I always choose the scenic route. This time: Verrado Way to Yuma to Dean to Southern to just before Miller - make a left into the driveway behind Walgreens - continue to the strip mall - Molina’s is on the far right corner with ample parking out front.

Buzz Rating

Service (with Sammii): 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 (5/5)

Service (without Sammii): 🐝 (1/5)

Food: 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 (5/5)

Coffee: 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 (5/5)

Au Revoir!

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