Awhile back I was walking around San Francisco’s Japantown when I noticed a big crowd outside Sophie’s Crepes, located on the second floor of the indoor mall (on the side closest to the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas). I’d seen the tiny crepe shop in the past, but never with this crowd. So you know what that meant? That’s right. Taste test.
I got in line and looked over the menu. Sophie’s sells both savory and sweet crepes, but of course the sweet crepes are the most popular (think Nutella and Strawberries vs. Turkey and Cheese). I ordered one of the Japanese specials, which looking over my notes I’ve realized I forgot what they called it. They should have named it “Sophie’s Choice” and I totally would have remembered that, but instead it was called something else.
Anywho, it had green tea gelato and red bean paste (azuki beans) and a special matcha (green tea) sauce. This sold for $4.70.
While I waited for my crepe, I would have taken pictures of the workers making the paper-thin crepes in the front, except Sophie’s had a very big “no cameras” sign posted outside. So all you get is this photo of my Japanese-special-I-forgot-what-it-was-called crepe.
The tiny shop doesn’t have many seats so most people get their crepe to go. It’s delivered to you like a cone. I didn’t know how I was supposed to eat it, so I got a spoon and started to scoop the gelato. Oh. My. Gaawd. It was like spooning cement. I couldn’t cut through the thick green tea gelato, and my plastic spoon literally bent to the point I was worried it’d flick into two and go flying into the crowd like some ninja star.
So I gave up and instead flattened my cone and started to bite into the crepe like an ice cream sandwich. Mmmm, this method worked out great because I got to taste the slightly crunchy crepe and the thick gelato acted like glue to keep all the ingredients in place instead of oozing off the sides. I don’t know if it was designed to be eaten this way, but it was the only way I could finish this.
Overall, I thought the crepe was just OK and I really liked the red bean paste. But I didn’t like the green tea gelato. I have a feeling the lines at Sophie’s may be an indication that there are so few sweet options in Japantown when you’re looking for something cold like ice cream or gelato. Time to mosey on along. Nothing to see here.
Sophie’s Crepes, 1581 Webster St. (at Post on second floor of the indoor mall in Japantown), San Francisco. PH: 415.929.7732
Monday, March 30, 2009
Holy Crepe! What’s Up with the Line at Sophie’s Crepes?
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10 comments:
That crepe should come with eating instructions. Hah!
So did you like the texture of the crepe? I only ask because I once tried a crepe place in San Jose's Japantown, where the crepe was kind of stiff and tasted rather like a fortune cookie, of all things. Not exactly what I had in mind.
I don't know, it was a mixed feeling. Some parts were thin and slightly crisp, which was nice, but other parts where chewy. Nothing memorable.
No cameras? Their loss! And I am sad to hear that the gelato was akin to plaster in terms of hardness.
awww, how disappointing! wonder why the long lines then? the word cement is never good when used to describe dessert...
You HAVE to try the savory crepes next time! My favorite is the ham and cheese. The crepe melts warms the ham and melts the cheese just a lil bit. SO yummy!
i like the name of your site - does it attract a lot of single girls? i just happened to click your site through foodhoe's website. just thought i'd check it out - food blogs are so fun.
ok
Krissy, I don't know if it attracts a lot of single girls. I should start a match making serving I think, huh? With every cupcake or fro-yo review? LOL. The answer, though, is I'm still SINGLE! ;-)
One of my favorite memories of a visit to Paris was of the crepe stands that you could find on busy street corners. They offered fresh, hot crepes that were light and airy, and served them with a small selection of sweet fillings, such as Nutella and butter/sugar. The latter was my favorite and I still remember one good-natured crepe maker chiding me for my mispronounciation of sugar while the line behind me giggled.
(For the record, sugar is "sucre" and it's pronounced "SU-ker" not "su-KER." I'll never forget that again.)
Thanks for the terrific blog, Ben.
Hi! Just stumbled onto your blog because of the crepe posting. I love your review – it is so honest and your tone is very appealing. I just created a new page on my website for the review of creperies (or any restaurant that serves them) and would appreciate your contribution. Would you consider submitting your review of Sophie’s Crepes to my crepe restaurant review page? If so, I’ll happily post a link to your blog, if you like!
Thanks!
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