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Dining Out: Crepe Escape

Don’t call it a Crepeville. Sure, they’ve got the chalk boards, all done up so artfully in many colors. Many of the crepes seem familiar, down to the names and prices in some cases (Florentine $6.95, Aloha $7.45, Curry $7.95, Mediterranean $8.25, Chicken Pesto $8.45). The décor is similar, as is the self-serve water.

But there are key differences here. For one thing, the portions seem to be somewhat larger. The potatoes that come with your crepe are cut in larger pieces and, more importantly, are definitely less greasy. This can be either a positive or a negative. On the rainy night we visited last week, this seemed like a negative to my stomach, but my intellectual side says it’s a positive.

My SO and I split the Bodega Bay crepe ($9.95) and the Oriental salad ($7.95). Now, the Bodega Bay was actually completely unlike any other crepe I’ve ever had, and I’m pretty sure Crepeville doesn’t have it (though I also like Crepeville). The taste of tarragon on the first bite was a bit overpowering—and I like tarragon. But we agreed it got better and better the more we had. I should also mention the main ingredient was salmon—hence the name. We were quite happy with it.

I’ve also had several versions of the oriental salad with chicken over the years, and this was one of my favorites. The chicken was blackened and spicy, a different take than I’ve usually seen, and the greens were light and not weighed down with lots of oily dressing.

There’s numerous other options— the California burger ($8.95, made Californian by the generous helping of avocado heaped on top), Eggs Benedict in three different styles, four pastas, a kid’s menu—but I never really go to a crepe place without ordering a crepe. I have this theory that every culture has it’s burrito (sushi, calzones, the Thai chicken wrap), and I pretty much like ‘em all.

The place was hopping at about 6 p.m. on a weekday, seeming to draw lots of customers from nearby City College. The other location of Crepe Escape, incidentally, is right next to Sacramento State, at 57th and H. But service was still quick.

The one downside was the oddly condescending busboy who took his job way too seriously. But the woman working the counter more than made up for him with her patience—we were there with a group of eight that included four kids and all indecision that implies (especially with such a huge, colorful menu). So, if you’re reading, the tip I left was meant only for you.    

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