Bread & Chocolate: White Chocolate Mousse

Bill


This is actually a spongy white cake with a hefty layer of white chocolate mousse on top that flows down into the center. The mousse itself has a classic smooth texture and a fairly subtle flavor. It needs to be subtle because it's paired with white chocolate shavings and the frosting on top of the cake.

The shavings eventually became too much for my taste, but that's probably because white is not my favorite incarnation of chocolate. This deserves a good rating.


2301 M St, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 833-8360

Google map & reviews (2.5/5)

Washington Examiner

Yelp (2.5/5)

Tripadvisor (3.5/5)

Bistrot Lepic: Mousse au Chocolat

Josh

The perfect mousse as described by David Lebovitz, a pastry chef based in San Francisco, is "a perfect slightly-gummy texture, backed up by a wallop of pure dark chocolate flavor." At Bistrot Lepic in Georgetown, they have put together something that is really close to that description. I very much enjoyed what came off as a light dessert to me, with both a great whipped texture as well as a strong chocolate flavor. Hidden inside were a few pieces of milk chocolate that added a nice crunch to the very smooth and satisfying treat. Not to mention the light cookie/wafer on top that could be used as a dipping tool and an edible fork.

While not a typical order of mine, I have always enjoyed mousse, although, I never truly understood the distinction between it and pudding. I'm sure Mr. Lebovitz would be highly offended by my previous assumption that a classic French delicacy was as commonplace and simple as something bought on grocery shelves and served in cafeterias. Nonetheless, I learned of my error, and now have a true appreciation for the smooth creamy flavor that a well prepared mousse inevitably possesses. Mousse must be moist, but appear and taste light and airy. A great pastry chef can make that difficult task a reality. 


I will continue to seek out other places throughout DC that serve this dessert well, but if you are in the mood, you will not be disappointed by Bistrot Lepic. Both a restaurant and wine bar, it provides a dual atmosphere for an evening of culinary delight. Make sure you stop by, sample some of the large selection of wine, and grab a little mousse before you leave... You won't be upset that you did!


1736 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-0111

Google map & reviews (4/5)

Washingtonian

Examiner

Washington Post (Editors' Pick; Reader 4/4)

Washington City Paper (4/5)

Yelp (3.5/5)

Tripadvisor (DC rank: 60; 4/5)