Waffle World
There’s nothing like a fluffy waffle topped with whipped cream, fruit, chocolate chips, maple syrup—or all of the above. While standard, frozen waffles debuted in U.S. grocery stores in 1953, the Belgian waffle—arguably the tastiest kind—was introduced to North America during the 1964 New York World’s Fair. (Fun fact: They were actually called Brussels waffles, but most Americans didn’t know where Brussels was located.) And to those waffle fanatics out there, don’t forget to celebrate National Waffle Day on August 24, the 139th anniversary of the first U.S. waffle iron patent.
Since 1955, Waffle Ho use— which operates more than 1,500 restaurants in 25 states—has served 495,264,367 waffles.
PRODUCTS WE LOVE!
DOOR COUNTY’S FINEST MAPLE SYRUP
Maple syrup is one of nature’s purest sweets, produced each spring from the sap of sugar maple trees. First recognized by Native Americans as a source of energy and nutrition, syrup has since evolved into a topping for pancakes and waffles. Jorns’ Sugar Bush (920-868-3161, jornssugarbush.com) in Egg Harbor, Wis. (60 miles northeast of Green Bay in Door County), has been tapping trees since the mid-1800s. They make the highest-quality maple syrup, which is light amber in color, and the factory and store are open year round. During the sap run (between March 15 and April 15), visitors can join in the historic experience of maple-syrup making.
Shown here: 12-oz. bottle, $5.25
KITCHENAID PROLINE SERIES WAFFLE BAKER
This double-sided baking unit rotates, allowing batter to coat both the upper and lower waffle plates to produce two mouthwatering, golden Belgian waffles. Available in nickel pearl and onyx black. $250;
www.kitchenaid.com
Chicken & Waffles
The concept of chicken and waffles was born in Harlem, N.Y., in the 1930s. It began when late-night diners couldn’t decide whether they wanted breakfast or dinner, so instead they had both. This tradition lives on today.
ROSCOE’S HOUSE OF
CHICKEN ’N WAFFLES
LOS ANGELES
Previously an all-night take-out restaurant, Roscoe’s has evolved into a chain of five sit-down eateries throughout L.A. The original Hollywood location opened in 1976, and it has since become a household name. Go for Herb’s Special, half a chicken, prepared Southern-fried or smothered with gravy and onions, alongside two waffles made from a secret mix. 323-934-4405
GLADYS KNIGHT
AND RON WINANS
CHICKEN & WAFFLES
ATLANTA & WASHINGTON, D.C.
These two talented performers came together, along with Knight’s son and Executive Chef Reginald Washington, to create a music-inspired menu filled with “Headliners” like four Southern-fried chicken wings and a waffle, and “Encores” like sweet potato cheesecake. There are two Atlanta-area locations and one just outside D.C. in Largo, Md. 404-874-9393, 301-808-6402 www.gladysandron.com
