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Brandy was a fine girl, in a harbor town, who – unbeknownst to her- is the inspiration behind Washington’s newest creperie. 

Amanda Phelps likes the popular song by one-hit wonder Looking Glass. She feels a personal connection as she is a woman living in a harbor town and married to a U.S. Navy sailor. Naming the creperie and cocktail bar after the female muse was a no-brainer. 

“I like the song and everybody loves Brandy,” Phelps said with a laugh. 

Brandy’s Cocktails & Crepes offers patrons a taste of culture in the form of sweet and savory crepes. A crepe is a thin, lacy type of pancake. It can be topped with fruits, sauces, meats, cheeses or whatever your heart and palette desires. Phelps recommends trying a crepe with fruit, if it’s your first time eating one. 

When she hosted a soft opening on Saturday, May 4, Phelps “was so sure” the sweet crepes would be the best seller, but two savory flavors were the standouts – the Smoke on the Water and Nights on the Riviera. Smoke on the Water is Phelps’ version of an Eggs Benedict. It has smoked salmon, tomato, red onion, arugula, sour cream, dill, capers and aioli. Nights on the Riviera has prosciutto crudo, goat cheese, fig or raspberry compote, balsamic glaze and honey.  

The two most popular drinks were the Wildberri Lemonade (Wildberri Absolut, lemonade, soda water and agave) and the Orange Jameson Crush (Jameson Orange Whiskey, one whole orange and soda water). 

Crepes, Phelps said, is one of her favorite comfort foods because there are so many variations you can make. 

When living in Houston, Phelps opened up her home to 12 foreign exchange students; feeding them and her seven children. Crepes were a food item she could tailor to any child’s taste buds. Hosting foreign exchange students also taught Phelps how to prepare meals from different cultures. The students, while they enjoyed Phelps’ cooking, missed their comfort foods from home; therefore, Phelps asked them to teach her how to make those meals which included poke and acai bowls. 

“This is what I bring. I bring knowledge from being immersed in other cultures in my own home because of hosting these students for so many years,” Phelps said. 

Though crepes are the main attraction at Brandy’s, patrons have the additional selections of poke and acai bowls. 

Brandy’s is located at 2 Commerce Square in Washington. Hours are tentative as Phelps trains new staff. At time of publication, Brandy’s is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Phelps is also the owner of Washington Cafe on Market Street.