The name is French for “burnt crème,” but crème brûlée sounds so much sweeter.  Simply speaking, this rich custard dessert is a sweet combination of egg yolks, sugar and vanilla. The dessert is quintessentially French and, when done correctly, the blend of flavors is as smooth as the word, “bonjour.” Of course, every great pastry chef has his (or her) own recipe for this dessert.   Crème brûlée is served all over the city, but the question brûlante is which Richmond restaurant does it best?  With the help of Doc Thompson, a WRVA 1140 radio personality whose palate is much more experienced than my own, I went on a search for the most delectable crème brûlée in  River City.

Our search took us to three great restaurants – Julep’s, Can Can Brasserie, and 1 North Belmont…

Can Can Brasserie
Can Can Brasserie is the Carytown destination for authentic French cuisine in a fun, casual atmosphere.  Chef, Andrew Hannan, says the dessert, “begins with the standard egg custard with lots of heavy cream.” That mixture is laced with the light flavor of Frangelica, a hazelnut flavored liqueur, for a unique taste.  That taste was the first thing Doc noticed, “This has a very different flavor.  It’s somewhat caramelly and nutty.  It’s really very interesting.”
3120 W. Cary Street/ 358-PARIS/ www.cancanbrasserie.com

Julep’s New Southern Cuisine
The Bailey’s Irish Cream crème brûlée at Julep’s New Southern Cuisine restaurant is a traditional tasting crème brûlée with a light twist. The “crème” of the crème brûlée is light and smooth, and more fluffy than creamy; and the topping looks like a delicate layer of caramelized lace.
“This is a more traditional crème brûlée,” Doc said.  “It’s very well done.  It’s difficult to get the traditional flavor just right.  Julep’s does that.”
1719-21 E. Franklin Street/ 377-3968/ www.juleps.net

1 North Belmont
Every dish of crème brûlée served at 1 North Belmont begins the day before, which pastry chef Stephen Middlebrooks says is the key to a successful dish. “When you make the base the day before it helps the flavors mingle and intermix,” he said. Those mingling flavors in 1 North Belmont’s crème brûlée are sauterne and vanilla, which together give this dessert its unique flavor.
The European-style restaurant specializes in French cuisine and offers a warm, intimate atmosphere.  In perfect combination, these features have helped 1 North Belmont earn a reputation as one of the city’s most romantic restaurants.
1 North Belmont/ Phone 358-0050/ www.1northbelmont.com

To learn more about our search, see the Premier Issue of River City Magazine, coming this March. www.rivercityrichmond.com