Valentine’s day is fast-approaching, and it’s never too early to start planning a special evening out on the town. Crêpes make a perfect romantic dinner, and Georgetown has two great places to get them.
A little bit off-the-beaten-path on Thomas Jefferson St. is the recently opened Snap. Snap feels like Tokyo rather than Paris. The décor on the walls is clean and sparse, though there is a row of conventional pictures of France.
Crêpes are the only real food the restaurant provides, but when it comes to washing them down, Snap has something no other place in the area does—bubble tea. These fruity drinks, in flavors like honeydew and red bean paste with tiny tapioca bubbles, are hardly the conventional pairing for a delicious crêpe. However, this is a place that, in general, seems to defy any one culinary tradition. From spicy thai tuna to rose petal preserves, there’s a crêpe topping to satisfy every taste.
Just up Wisconsin Ave. from Thomas Sweet is Café Bonaparte, a more traditional crêperie. The cozy space is warmly lit and equipped with a large bar that makes it feel inviting from the moment you walk through the door. In the morning you can satisfy your sweet-tooth with one of their innovative sweet crêpes. I recommend the Martinique with caramelized mango and lemon sorbet, accompanied by a cup of their great European coffee.
In the evening things heat up as the clientele and food become more sophisticated. Sure, there are amazing savory crêpes, but Bonaparte also offers a full array of French appetizers and entrées. Their amazing desserts borrow from the rich traditions of Italy, completing the continental experience.
Did I mention that the café has a bar? Their imported coffee soars to new heights when paired with Bailey’s to make a Café de Paris. You can also try one of their seasonal concoctions to complement your meal.
Bonaparte’s ambience is more date-friendly than Snap’s, but the prices at Snap are more reasonable, $3.50-$5.50 for most crêpes, versus $7.25-$9.50 at Bonaparte. If you and your valentine are looking for “la vraie France,” Bonaparte is definitely the place, but for some tasty crêpes on the cheap, check out newcomer Snap.
