Midtown Lunch

In 2013 the Graduate Hospital area gained 2 new crepe spots; Cafe L’Aube this winter and So Crepe last week.  I went to both in one afternoon for today’s CREPE OFF.

So Crepe, the newer newbie, is located on 16th and South and offers waiter service. the large windows overlooking South Street, much better for people watching compared to Washington Ave. Savory and sweet crepes are the only food served.

Savory crepes from from $5.50 to $9. I ordered to So Blue- a crepe with bleu cheese, honey, and walnuts ($6.50).  It was a decent size crepe for the price and there was no skimping on the cheese. Since this is a comparison I have to get picky, I found the crepe itself to be a little dry and the tiniest bit mealy. The side salad served with the crepe had a lovely acidic dressing.

We were sold on the salted caramel crepe when our young waitress explained it was made in house. This crepe did not have the same textural issues as the savory one, so there must be different batters. I could have loved this, but our batch of caramel was just burnt enough to make it noticeable and kind of ruin it. This could easily be resolved as the restaurant adjusts.

Cafe L’Aube on Washington Ave by 21st St is located inside NextFab design studios, a company that makes pretty cool projects using techniques like laser cutting.   The space has a clean design with touches of flair in the lighting pieces and chairs. The concrete floor may not be homey, but  it suits the industrial scene found in this part of Washington Ave.

Besides crepes, sandwiches and baked goods are also available. Everyone working behind the counter spoke French to each other, adding to an appearance of legitimacy. You order at the counter, seat yourself, and the food is brought by one of the friendly staff members.

Savory crepes are $9.25 -$9.95. The “simple vegetarien” is filled with mozzarella  pesto, and sun dried tomatoes. Except that the sun dried tomatoes were actually halved cherry tomatoes on our visit. The pesto was delicious, definitely the highlight feature. The crepe was thin and light. My biggest issue is that it doesnt warrant a $9.95 price tag. Maybe had there been a side dish, I’d be less cranky about it.

We tried the brown sugar and butter crepe ($5.50). Obviously a simple way to go, but there could have been a little more love between the layers. It also may have been white sugar instead of brown.

To compare:

I was happy to find neither location skimped on cheese. Both serve fancy coffee drinks and have a pleasant waitstaff. Cafe L’Aube has a way more legit name. So Crepe is a better value and has a better location but needs to refine their product a bit. They appear to have more staying power than Cafe L’Aube, whose price point and location may keep the traffic slow.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

•  Good location, service, and value
• Generous amounts of cheese

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

•  Slightly burnt caramel
• Slightly dry savory crepe batter

 So Crepe, 1506 South Street, 267 761 9310

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

•   Great pesto
•  Generous amounts of cheese
• A place for brunch/lunch/breakfast that isn’t crowded

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

•  Not worth the price
• Not an ideal location

Cafe L’Aube, 2025 Washington Avenue, 215 278 7579