šÆ Rochesterās Breakfast Gem
šÆ Rochesterās Breakfast Gemļ½Crepe N'Go: A Taste of Home Across 8,000 Miles Searching for a breakfast in Rochester that can awaken a dormant ā stomachā often comes with uncertain expectations. But upon hearing about Crepe N'Go, a spot specializing in jianbing guozi (savory crepes), that craving for a taste of home was instantly ignited. Visiting with a āletās try itā mindset, I was met with surprises far exceeding expectationsānot only authentic jianbing, but also eye-catching innovations in Chinese flavors. š² š First Impressions: A Cozy Corner Shop The small shop is located on South Clinton Ave. The facade is unassuming, but the on the sign act like a beacon, drawing in wanderers seeking home flavors. Stepping inside, the space is clean and bright, with an open kitchen where you can watch staff skillfully spread the crepe batter. The air carries the familiar aroma of savory sauces and eggs, instantly putting you at ease. š„ The Core Experience: Jianbing That Teleports You Back Home As the main goal of this visit, the jianbing was the focus of our review. We ordered the Plain Jianbing and the Sausage Version. The Crepe: The foundation of success! The batter, a mix of mung bean and wheat flour, is spread evenlyāthin and crispy at the edges, soft yet(chewy) in the center, with a subtle bean fragrance. This is the standard texture from memory: crispy outside, (soft) inside, capable of holding all the fillings. The Sauce: The classic combination of sweet bean sauce and fermented tofu is well-proportioned, perfectly salty-sweet and deeply aromaticāthe soul of the dish. The Crispy Fried Dough (Baocui): The ābackboneā of jianbing. The shop is generous with the baocui, which delivers a satisfying ācrunchā with each bite, providing perfect textural contrast without being stale. Sausage Version: The added American sausage (or similar hot dog) brings extra savory meatiness, making the jianbing heartierāa great choice for meat lovers. Overall, this is definitely a jianbing of āgood standardāāarguably among the best in Rochester. It might not 100% replicate the skill of masters on Beijing or Tianjin streets, but itās more than enough to comfort a homesick stomach. š¦ The Pleasant Surprise: The Stunning Braised Lionās Head Meatballs If the jianbing was the expected satisfaction, then the Braised Lionās Head Meatballs were the unexpected delight! This isnāt the traditional giant meatball but a clever adaptation. The fist-sized meatball is braised until fall-apart tender in a thick, savory sauce. The best part is the fillingāit hides a small, savory salted egg yolk center! š„ Gently separating the meatball with chopsticks reveals the (flowing) salted yolk mixed with meat juices, elevating the savory flavor to another level with incredible richness. This dish showcases the ownerās thoughtful creativity building on tradition. š Overall Feelings & More Possibilities The charm of Crepe NāGo lies in its focus on a few items, striving to do them well. Beyond jianbing and the meatballs, the menu offers other options like chicken wraps and beef wraps, which look tempting for future exploration. š° Value & Convenience Price: Jianbing ranges from around $7-$10; dishes like the meatballs are about $12-$15. Reasonable value for a satisfying taste of home. Location: Easily accessible on South Clinton Ave, whether by car or bus. Experience: Great for a quick takeout, with a couple of small tables for dine-in. An excellent choice for a fast, delicious, heartwarming breakfast or lunch. For international students and Chinese friends in Rochester, Crepe NāGo is like a small oasis. It proves that even across oceans, familiar flavors can be recreated with care and sincerity. When you desperately crave that hot, crispy, sauce-rich jianbing, you know thereās a place in a Rochester corner that can briefly satisfy you. š Address: 831 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 #Rochester#RochesterFood#RochesterFoodReview#RochesterNY#UpstateNY#Jianbing