What’s with expensive restaurants, eh?

Lunch at Whistler's Crepe Montagne. Sue Frause photo.

Although it most likely won’t end up as one of the most expensive restaurants in the world, I have to say I was shocked when I received my bill at a restaurant in Whistler, British Columbia.

I’m up here for the 2010 Vancouver Paralympic Games, Canada’s first Paralympics. Although the Downhill Alpine event was canceled yesterday due to extreme fog, there has been plenty of stuff to do here at this four-seasons resort.

Last night, Canadian alternative country singer Kathleen Edwards performed at the Medal Ceremony. Tonight, I’m going to hear Luke Doucet and The White Falcons at Village Square, while The Weakerthans will be performing at the Medal Ceremony. All of the events are free.

But back to my $$$ meal. I popped into elements, an urban tapas parlour. I’d enjoyed breakfast there with my husband during our winter visit in 2009, and thought it would be a good spot for a late lunch. Well, too late, they were finished serving lunch — so I headed across the street and saw the sign for Crepe Montagne.

I love crepes, they’re right up there with fish ‘n chips when I travel. My friendly French-speaking waiter (from Paris, not Quebec) took me to a small booth in the back, which was quiet and private. I ordered a glass of house red and their Chicken Cordon Bleu crepe (pictured above).

It was wonderful, as was the salad. But when I got my bill — holy moley! The total was $32.73. I assumed that the high price of lunch was due to my vino, but that was only $7. Turns out that the crepe was $23.50. I asked the waiter if it was a mistake and he apologized and said it was the correct price.

I don’t get it. A crepe and small salad for almost $24? I loved this spot but if you go, order one crepe and split it between the two of you. If you’re dining alone … call it lunch and dinner.