Crepes-a-Go-Go

Crepe shops have been popping up everywhere in the District since our trip to Paris, whether a simple matter of good timing, or zee Frenchies following us back home, neither Jen or I am are complaining. That was one of the great simple pleasures about Paris- fast food that was prepared right in front of you. No line assembly, no deep fried starches, just batter, a hot plate, and whatever you’d like to go inside.

As of late, Jen’s made Crepes-a-Go-Go a regular destination on her walks around town, and she’s definitely not the only one.

With three locations in the area (one in Gaithersburg and two in DC, propah), it’s clear that the owners have a good idea of what works to bring people in. Our weekend visit had us waiting behind a line of about 10 people, although orders are taken quickly at the register. There’s a small seating area at the back of the restaurant (Jen tends to usually visit the location just west of Dupont Circle), but you can just as easily have your order to go.

The options here are plentiful, and potentially overwhelming. You start with your choice of batter: regular, or whole wheat; and then from two monstrous lists that run the gamut of sweet or savory choices. Sweet options include Nutella, Chocolate, Raspberry, Banana, Apple, Brown Sugar, Honey, Cinnamon, and Coconut, just to name a few. The Savory choices include several cheeses, avocado, tomato, spinach, caramelized onions, mushrooms, ham, smoked turkey, roasted eggplant, and zucchini. The plethora of choices is undoubtedly half the appeal of grabbing a bite here, and there’s something for just about everyone.

I don’t think most people really take the time to watch their crepes being made, and for that, they’re missing out.  We’re so accustomed to having our food prepared behind grease stained velvet curtains that many ignore the simple pleasure of watching someone practice their cooking craft in front of you.  Although if that’s not enough to appease you, then these crepes ought to do the trick.

The price is about the same as a fast food meal, although the taste is exponentially better, and you won’t have that dirty feeling you get after having a McRib, where you want to take a shower.  On the inside.  Saturday afternoons can get a little busy, but it’s never too long before you can fill your gullet.

As one passerby outside the shop said to his wife after seeing Jen’s freshly made meal, “mmmm….Crepe.”

Crepes-a-Go-Go in Dupont Circle can be seen on a map here.

Recommended for:

• On the go lunches
• Weekend treats
• Vegetarians
• Cheese Eatin’ Surrender Monkeys

Not Recommended for:

• Vegans
• Paleo heads
• Zone Dieters
• Those who still regularly use the terms ‘Freedom Fries’, ‘Freedom Toast’, and ‘Freedom Kissing’