Café Bonaparte - a little a lot

In the heart of historic Georgetown, amidst the antique shops, lies a diminutive and cozy European café—Café Bonaparte. Small in stature, it has a surprisingly extensive repertoire of food and drink. What appears from the street as nothing more than a coffee shop, also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

The ambiance is personal and romantic. The façade of the café is completely paned windows infusing the dining room with light--coalescing historic Georgetown with a taste of Europe. The walls are adorned with a series of art deco pieces--all of which are for sale. The pastels give added color to an already sunlit room. The tables are tiny and close in proximity, however, amazingly, I have never felt cramped. Meanwhile, the waitresses do an exceptional job of navigating the tight quarters. The size and popularity of the cafe do lend themselves to weekend morning lines. Just leave your name and take a twenty minute jaunt around the corner to the many antique shops—it is worth the wait.

I have yet to try any of their dinner entrees, but their Elba sandwich--smoked turkey with apples, brie, and honey Dijon--was excellent. Their brunch is even more inspiring, as their Renoir—scrambled eggs, Italian sausage, green peppers, and onions rolled in a crepe & topped with cheddar and Swiss cheese—is heavy on the taste buds but not on the stomach. It is light not greasy. The food prices are reasonable, but the drinks can be a bit pricey. Mimosa’s and Bloody Mary’s run around ten dollars and a couple can add up quickly. Nevertheless, they are both excellent. And finally, the small unassuming bar is a great setting for a nightcap, appealing to the night owl craving something sweet. I hear their deserts are excellent.

Café Bonaparte, as small as it is, somehow manages to offer a little of everything for everyone, at anytime.

Cafe La Ruche - Simply Charming

Café La Ruche is just far enough removed from M Street to escape the Georgetown shopping hustle-and-bustle, but close enough to make it easily accessible. It is a conveniently intimate Parisian style café, aptly named (La Ruche is French for beehive) as it is abuzz with energy.

Part of La Ruche’s appeal lies in its simplicity. You will not find the extraneous bells and whistles so common to the modern coffee shop. A booth stretches the length of the left side of the café providing half of the seating for the row of couples tables that flank it. On the right hand side of the café are three dining tables for larger groups. You can also dine outside on their garden patio when the weather is nice. The décor is simple, not ornate. A French flag hangs in the rafters, and there are a series of rural Parisian pictures on the wall.

As you enter you are greeted by an adorable older man and shown to your table. The service is great, and the attitude and ambiance are cheerful. La Ruche’s typical patrons range from couples, old and young, to friends and co-workers. It is as common to hear French as it is English, further augmenting the Parisian flavor.

The food is excellent. The L’Assiette de Brie (brie and apple) is a fresh and an ample appetizer, while the Poulet Cordon Bleu was one of the best I have had. They offer a small selection of imported beer and have a limited list of wines, but it is sufficient unless you are actively seeking something more exotic.

Café La Ruche is at its core, charming. It is energetic yet relaxing--convenient yet quaint. It is a great place for a date or a quick rendezvous with an old friend. Whether you seek dinner, weekend brunch, or just a cup of espresso, I highly recommend Café La Ruche.