Recently I was looking for lunch in Hillcrest, so I checked out Chocolat Bistro - Creperie - Cremerie on the corner of 5th Avenue and University Avenue.

After an extensive look at the menu I ordered an Imported Ham and Fontina Cheese Crepe ($9.95), which turned out to be quite good. And I have tasted the real thing on the streets of Paris. The batter was nice and thin, yet thick enough to hold a good amount of filling.

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I also tasted the Mission Fig Pizza ($13.95) with Caramelized Onions, Gorgonzola, Candied Pecans, Prosciutto & Aged Balsamic. Pizzas are made in their homemade brick oven and gluten-free options are available. This too was quite tasty so I was ready to move on.

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I had to get up from the table to check out the sweets in the various display cases. What I found were cookies, candies, pastries, and gelato, most of which looked wonderful. Upon tasting a few, I found them to be most delicious.

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There are many flavors of Italian Gelato (from $3.50--$6.95), all made at Chocolat daily. The problem, if there is one, is deciding what to order. They all look so colorful and tasty. There are three flavors of gelato: chocolate, cream and fruit. I chose the Honey and Poppy Seed Cream and it did not disappoint, rich and creamy.

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Breakfast is served all day with homemade croissants; pasta is handmade, there is a wine bar and handmade chocolates which can be boxed as gifts.

Chocolat Hillcrest, 3896 5th Avenue, (619) 574-8500 http://www.chocolat-hillcrest.com