Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

One Night in Paris

This summer, I experienced a tour-de-force of food on a trip to Paris. There, I tasted heaven daily through the delicacies of the simple yet consistently amazing French cuisine. Needless to say, upon returning to Georgetown and the dull experience of Leo’s, I began craving the food I enjoyed during my last two weeks of summer vacation. While ambling down Wisconsin one Friday, I stumbled upon Cafe Bonaparte and was instantly intrigued. The cozy red brick walls and the hint of jazz music floating through the air instantly transport you to the City of Light.

Cafe Bonaparte is a charming, quaint bistro located at 1522 Wisconsin Ave. NW (a block closer to campus than the popular  Los Cuates). Since 2003 Bonaparte has been churning out classic French fare including a wide selection of crepes, sandwiches and staples such as croque monsieur and French onion soup. The cafe is modest, containing about 10 tables and a five-person bar, but this lends itself to an extremely friendly and attentive staff.

Although perfect for a special night out in Georgetown, Cafe Bonaparte offers a not-to-be-missed option: the daily lunch specials. For $9.99 Monday through Friday, one can order half a salad or a cup of soup with either half a sandwich or half a crepe. The soup choices include French onion every day and the soup du jour, which is always served cold. Crepe options are either sweet or savory. Another fabulous option is the quiche du jour (listed under appetizers). This is served with a side salad for $8.75. Either choice is perfectly portioned to leave you fully satisfied. However, if you still have room for desert, you are in for a treat. Cafe Bonaparte boasts a large selection of dessert crepes and specialty coffee drinks. My favorite was the “Moulin Rouge” crepe — a delicious concoction filled with caramelized peaches glazed with chocolate and raspberry sauces. This and a mocha cappuccino together will satisfy the strongest of any chocolate cravings. My cappuccino was a true marriage of chocolate and espresso and it is something I encourage everyone to try.

Don’t have time for a leisurely lunch during the school week? No worries. You can still experience great French cuisine at a reasonable price on the weekends during Cafe Bonaparte’s brunch. The breakfast combinations are $11 or less. Notable specials include the Belvedere, which includes eggs any style with homemade French toast and crab benedict, served over an artichoke lump atop a muffin with a special in-house hollandaise sauce.

Enjoy a departure from the daily drudgery of college cuisine and take a stroll over to Cafe Bonaparte. It will be money and time well spent.

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