Bruno Paressant and Bronwyn Thomson with their roaming crepe van, Le Petit Breton Crepes. Photo: Martin Conway.
Who are you?
My name is Bruno Paressant. I am a chef, and I trained in France with two of the biggest names in the field: Joel Robuchon and Michel Guerard.
Tell me about your hospitality journey.
I came to Australia in 1988, landed in Canberra and never left. Over the years, I have had the immense privilege to work at Government House, The Lodge and a few embassies, including the French Embassy.
One thing led to another, and my gorgeous Australian wife and I opened Breizh Cafe in Ainslie shops, the very first and only traditional Creperie in Canberra. We opened it in December 2013 and sold it in February 2021. The place was crazy busy, even during COVID. The local community was so supportive and fantastic.
Tell me about Le Petit Breton.
After the huge success of Breizh Cafe, we took almost a year break to recover physically and mentally and gave us time to think about our next move. So we bought a mobile food van, called “Le Petit Breton” from which we serve our famous crepes and galettes.
Did you have a dream job as a kid?
I actually wanted to be a vet, but clearly my vocation was in the food industry, creating magic with amazing fresh ingredients. I can’t really see myself doing anything else now. When I want to take a break from the kitchen, I also love to be front of house, interacting with customers.
What is your food philosophy?
After working so many years in high-end establishments, where there is military discipline, working with great precision and basically not having a life, I am now back to basics. No more theatrical preparation, no more tweezers to put the last touch on a plate. I am after simplicity, traditional, down-to-earth food that makes sense. Too often I find dishes are over complicated.
Canberra Food Truck Le Petit Breton Crepes. Photo: Martin Conway.
What is your favourite or must-use ingredient when cooking?
Butter! Obviously French food is what I know best. But I do like to explore different combinations from time to time. Anything Asian, I leave it up to my wife.
What’s an underrated Canberra venue that you love?
We don’t actually go out that often, but our not so recent experiences at Lamsheds and Koto were really pleasant. They had great service, food and atmosphere. Otherwise we also enjoy going to Agostinis or The Italian Place in Braddon.
Who do you admire in the Canberra food scene?
We love food made by Hem and Honey from “Tikka Stand ” in Lonsdale Street, near the car wash. Simple, unpretentious and homemade. Fabulous!
The Tikka Stand parks at Lonsdale Street. Photo: Tikka Stand/Instagram.
Where’s the best place for a coffee in Canberra?
Two Before Ten in Greenway always hits the spot.
Who is your dream dinner party guest, and what would you make them?
I don’t know who would accept the invitation, but sharing a table with Tetsuya Wakuda or Manu Feildel could be quite something and fun!
What are your current food obsessions?
It’s very simple, I am obsessed with food, full stop. I like almost anything!
What’s the best thing you ate this week?
Where do I start!? This week we had raclette at home, we made a chicken and morel mushroom risotto, a beef burgundy, a strawberry and rhubarb crumble. You don’t need to go out for dinner when you have two chefs at home!
What’s a food that reminds you of your childhood?
My grandmother’s gratin of scallops, and my mum’s Kouign-Aman (a specialty cake from Brittany).
What’s a normal breakfast for you?
No cereal, no toast, just a piece of cake or occasionally a Danish.
Where do you shop for specialty food items?
I often visit the local markets with nothing specific in mind, but hoping to find something interesting or unusual. Like Southside Markets, Fyshwick Markets, Bus Depot markets, EPIC markets… Alternatively I just go to IGA Ainslie, they have everything!
Weekends in the park are even better with Le Petit Breton Crepes. Photo: Martin Conway.
Do you have any travel plans?
We were in France in September/October in 2024. We went to Nice and from there explored the region from Cannes to Monaco, then we spent a week in Paris and had lunch at the Eiffel Tower for a special family celebration. So we are not planning to go anywhere in particular in 2025.
Tell me something you love about living in Canberra?
I love all the nature, all the parks and green spaces, all the cycle paths, the colours in spring and autumn. Nothing is too far, and there’s no real traffic jam. However, the cold winter is getting to me.
An easy one to finish – what’s your go-to coffee order?
I’m always too busy, so I get the quickest thing: a long black. No sugar, no milk.
Find out more about Le Petite Breton and follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
