Crème is located in an area where good food, over the top décor and trendy people flourish. The popular U Street area is therefore rife with competition for restaurants, offering tough critiques from the eyes of customers and journalists alike. It is in this atmosphere that restaurants and clubs work tirelessly to make the most inventive dishes to wow their customers into loyalty. Crème is taking a different approach, however, which has led to public adoration and financial success.

“The décor of Crème can be described as industrial sheik”, says Crème’s owner, Ms. Tate. The designer of the restaurant, Eric Moore, provides a well-balanced contrasts; mixing high earth toned walls with bright wood grain furniture. Above these walls are exposed air ducts that offer the industrial aspect to the mix. The most notable setback to the architecture is the building’s small size. The servers have to skillfully maneuver around the tables to place the dishes at their respective tables. Watching these feats are almost worth the reduced space.

Crème’s food, as well as their service, is represented in two words, “Comfort Food.” Ms. Tate swears by the phrase.  The head chef and creator of the menu, Chef Terrell Danley, has created a brunch lineup of dishes that aim to satisfy and fulfill every customer.

The brunch menu has two all-stars. The first of which is the chicken and waffles, both of which arrive cooked to golden perfection, lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar and at the guests’ discretion, warm maple syrup. The softness of the waffle and the crunch of the chicken provide and amalgamation of flavor and texture that leaves you with a guilty pleasure of wanting more but also with a full stomach. It is difficult to finish the entire plate in one sitting, but this foodie is always happy to have some left for the next day.

The other all-star takes the savory approach. The shrimp and grits has a down home flavor that is reminiscent of a hot meal on a cold day; it warms you with every spoonful. The grits are filled with a cheesy, butter flavor, perfectly accented with the salty flavor of the shrimp. Needless to say both of these dishes leave the customer with a pronounced feeling of “comfort”. Accompany any of the brunch options with the coveted “bottomless Mimosas” and there is little doubt that the day will seem brighter than it was before you walked in.