Monday, June 7, 2010

Point Chaud Creperie is Open for Business

Remember last year when we thought for a time that there might be two creperies opening across from each other near the intersection of 14th and S streets? Well, one of those--"Crepes on the Corner"--which was slated to go into the former Garden District space has since moved over to Capitol Hill (or, "Hill East" if you're getting specific about it).

The second, Point Chaud, took its time moving into the former Circle Boutique space next to clothing retailer Redeem, but this weekend they finally opened their doors.

Here's my crazy, off-the-wall prediction for this place: this place will do mad business. Mr. and Mrs. 14thandyou stopped by yesterday evening; it was pretty quiet, as to be expected on a Sunday evening by a restaurant that just had a soft opening.

Point Chaud has a lengthy list of both savory and sweet crepes to enjoy (for anyone who has never enjoyed a nutella-filled crepe, you have missed out on one of life's finer little enjoyments). Each of us decided on a chicken-filled crepe: I went with sautee, and the Mrs. went with grilled. Both were very good--fresh ingredients, good flavor and well-sized. They didn't skimp on the filling, either. My one complaint is that it would be helpful to garnish the plate a bit to aid in the presentation--a little side of fruit, or event some parsley can go a long way.

They did a nice job with the build-out of the interior space, which features about a dozen tables and chairs, along with a few outdoor seats as well.

Perhaps Point Chaud's greatest attribute is its price. One of the consistent gripes we have heard about restaurant options in Logan and along 14th Street is that there are so few decent, low-cost options. Well, Point Chaud certainly helps to fill that void: two people can easily get crepes and drinks there for under $20. Many of the dessert crepes are in the $4-$5. As much as we may enjoy Cork and Saint-Ex, it's nice to have a good, lower-cost option in the neighborhood.

Point Chaud will be openfor breakfast at 7 AM during the week, a bit later on weekends (memo to file: good potential cheap brunch spot.) Monday through Wednesday, they will stay open till 10 PM, Thursdays through Saturdays they will be open until 3 AM, and will close at 9 PM on Sundays.

I couldn't locate a website for these guys (if you know of it, please post in the comments), but I can tell you that the crepe selection is plentiful. Overall a very good first impression, and we'll definitely be going back.

19 comments:

IMGoph said...

glad to hear about cheap food, and large portions, but could you ask them what the hell the name means?

chaud=hot in french, right? hot point? i don't get it.

The Brain Blog of Phineas Gage said...

Hey thanks for the mention the other day, but we DID NOT go out of business at all We moved to 1926 17th Street NW and are doing quite well- still doing our custom letterpress work. Here's a link from Prince of Petworth. Any chance you can mention this? http://www.princeofpetworth.com/2010/05/the-written-word-now-located-at-1926-17th-street-nw/

Mr. Other Upper NW said...

Brain Blog - Thanks, you'll note that I updated that information in the original post.

Anonymous said...

I couldn't agree more. I tried them this weekend -- ordered a turkey and cheese, nutella and banana, and plain old butter and sugar. All three were terrific. And the guys who run the place are very nice, too. A great addition to 14th Street.

Joel Lawson said...

After several weekends out of town, I am VERY excited to see this as I catch up on neighborhood news. Thanks for the report and review. Very promising.

13th and You said...

crepes are the new cupcakes.

I scream U scream now has a crepe menu. Last weekend they weren't actually serving them yet, just had the menu up. A veritable flood of nutella is washing over our fair city.

Ashley said...

Hi! Just stumbled onto your blog because of the crepe posting. Looks like a great and affordable dining spot. Would you consider submitting this review of Point Chaud Creperie to my creperie review page ? If so, I’ll happily post a link to your blog! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

@IMgoph: Point Chaud = "Hot Spot"

So do they have wine?

Anonymous said...

This is me being cynical, but I dont think you understand the food service industry if you think a place that sells crepes can last very long paying rent in that neighborhood. Hopefully the lease and bank loan rates are reasonable.

convexhull said...

Isn't it easy enough to make pancakes at home? How is a pancake house any less ridiculous than a place that does cereal?

http://14thandyou.blogspot.com/search?q=cereal

Mr. Other Upper NW said...

Maybe you're just better with a griddle than I am, convexhull.

yawper said...

You said it convexhull, just ask the thousands of International House of Cereal (IHOC) franchise owners out there!

Anonymous said...

I tried this place yesterday and I really wanted to like it. But, the crepe was just "meh." Worst part was the cheese -- industrial "processed cheese food" Jack cheese. Not tasty. Other options were Feta, Riccoa and cheddar, none of which really scream "Crepe" for me.

I bet the sweet crepes are better, so I'll be back. But, I hope the owners upgrade the cheese options on savory crepes.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the above comment on the cheese. None of them are really traditional "crepe" options. They should add brie and gruyere to their selection. Do try the sweet crepes though. They're awesome.

hamster said...

I think they expanded the cheese options because when I went last night they had cheddar, swiss, feta, jack, and ricotta.
Now what they really need is to start using buckwheat batter for the savory crepes and serve them breton-style with the different folding pattern. That would really put them a notch above the competition since that is not available anywhere in DC.

Anonymous said...

Glad they expanded, but why is Feta or Ricotta even an option for a crepe. Blick.

myfrenchtongue said...

I went there this week end and I was very disappointed. the texrure of the crepe was very weirf, elastic and even the taste was not great ! We were maybe 4 customers and did not take our order properly instead of banana/coconut/chocolat we got straberries/chocolate.

David said...

"I dont think you understand the food service industry if you think a place that sells crepes can last very long paying rent in that neighborhood"

Not saying I understand the food industry, but if Crepes A Go Go can survive at 22nd and P in DuPont, shouldn't this be able to survive on 14th Street?

Anonymous said...

I have tried many of their crepes - both sweet and savory. All have been DELICIOUS. I highly recommend Point Chaud.

Furthermore, for those who have expressed unhappiness with their cheeses... I have a hypothesis. While standing in line, I have heard people order cheeses that do not complement the other ingredients in the particular crepe they selected. Perhaps you cheese-complainers should place the blame on yourselves, and not the cheese. Accountability is a virtue.