Point Chaud: New creperie open on 14th St.

[hamster]

So we've been waiting forever for this storefront to open, and they finally did this past weekend! They've got quite an interesting list of crepe fillings, fairly similar to Crepes a Gogo near Dupont. One intriguing combo is banana, sour cream, and brown sugar. The decor is cute, faux Parisian, even a few tables on the sidewalk. They were very friendly when I went in to sample a Belgian chocolate and banana. Pretty darn good. I would say the atmosphere is more upscale than Crepes a Gogo, though prices are similar. I will definitely be back to this place, as it certainly fills a gap for low-cost, casual food (that's not pizza or hot dogs) in the neighborhood.

[hamster]

Oh no, this is Point Chaud on 14th St. and S St. In the U St. neighborhood.

[Bob W]

Thanks -- I googled it and found it. Looks like a cute place. It's walkable for me.

But that still leaves unresolved the mystery of the "Point Chaud Coming Soon" storefront on 14th between K and L. We could really use such a place down here.

[Bob W]

Well, it looks like Point Chaud is indeed going to open in this space. There are workmen in there right now. Will be a very nice addition to this nabe.

[Steve]

Go with low expectations. I tried a savory and a sweet crepe up on 14th and S and they were both austere: dry and boring. But it's not expensive so give it a try and see if you like it.

[Bob W]

Thanks -- there's such a dearth of moderate-price, non-chain restaurants around here that this place will have to really suck to fail. One of my colleagues told me that there were no less than four food trucks parked across the street today.

I'll definitely give this place a try. Hopefully it will be at least decent.

If you're ever up in Lancaster PA, there's a very good creperie downtown called Rachel's Cafe and Creperie.

[Bob W]

Just poked my head in -- they'll be open in a couple of weeks.

[beauxgoris]

Wow - still not opened?

[Bob W]

Looks very close!

[Bob W]

Just got back from "lunch" at the new Point Chaud. You nailed it, Steve. Here's what i just posted on DR:

"Well that sucked. For $7 I got a dry, arid crepe "filled" with about ten blueberries and maybe a teaspoon of sour cream. The coffee is good.

The place was packed, and some of the savory crepes at other tables looked pretty substantial, but what I got was a joke. I will give them one more try. "

[hamster]

Sad :(
Yeah, after my initial excitement at having a cheap place finally open in the neighborhood, I haven't been back in months.

[Bob W]

Thanks hamster -- this sounds like an outstanding addition to our food-challenged neighborhood.

But where exactly is this place? The storefront on 14th between K and L that says Pointe Chaud Coming Soon is still papered over and is definitely not open. So help us out!

[Steve]

Do they use the same crepe batter for both the sweet and savory crepes? Do they use buckwheat at all? I'd love to find a serious crepe place in the DC area.

[hamster]

I forgot to ask about their savory crepe batter, though I am totally on board with you. Next time I have the chance I will find out and post.

[hamster]

Went back for a savory crepe today. No, no buckwheat batter. They have plain and "whole wheat", just like Crepes a Go Go. Sigh. I think I may suggest they consider the buckwheat option next time I go. It would certainly be a way to distinguish themselves from other crepe places in town.
I had the feta, mushroom, tomato and spinach. Quite pleased with the quality of the ingredients, especially the garlicky sauteed mushrooms.