These chic Belgian-style boulangerie/cafes are all over Manhattan, London, and now Washington. Although the tableau of customers unwinding over cappuccinos and hunks of baguette at the communal tables is inviting, many of the best offerings are primed to take home. Tartines—delicate open-faced sandwiches—make a nice meal for one; we like the chicken-curry salad with cranberry chutney ($10.25) and the Paris ham with three mustards ($9.95) best. From the bakery case, there are peppery cheese muffins, oversize coconut macaroons, and super-chocolaty brownies. Baguettes and boules pair nicely with the praline butter and marmalade offered free at the communal table, and the spreads come in jars to go.
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Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
