The Waffle Log Blog

Exposing Critical Bill To A New Concept

The Common
November 15th, 2016

Fun Time Douglas, Critical Bill, and Magnum PI set out on a cool November night for dinner and ended up at the hip downtown joint: The Common. Chicken and waffles was on the menu and Bill revealed that he’s never had the classic, and suddenly trendy, combination of fried chicken and waffles. So, here we go…

This post is going be done in Critical Bill’s own style: brief, no bullshit, and full of expletives.

Critical Bill: Waffle ok. Best when hot, the quality disintegrated with time. Whatever the fuck that berry shit was it was good. Chicken ok. Juicy. Butter was top flight. Combo of all the components was pretty tasty. Maybe not sold on the concept and my cocktail went all wrong! Company kept was superb. Wouldn’t have my waffles any other way than with good fucking company.

Fun Time Douglas: it was too dark to take a picture of the waffles. Just imagine a round waffle cut into it’s quadrants, stacked on their side, served with two pieces of fried chicken, a pad of butter placed on top, and that “berry shit*” on the side (*a blackberry compote, I think, and it was in fact quite good).

Fun Time Douglas agrees that the combination of flavours was pretty tasty with the juicy chicken raising the profile of this waffle.

Our guest, Magnum PI, commented: it was just a pleasure to behold the ISCoW founding members at work.

3.6/5 – Fun Time Douglas
3.3.3/5 Critical Bill also shown as 3.299999

The Homemade Waffle

The International Supreme Council of Waffles is pleased to introduce our first blog by submission (as in it wasn’t written by the founding members). This one comes from the versatile and discerning Mr. Fixit from his family reunion vacation. Enjoy!

Raven Creek Farm (near Oakburn MB)
August 7th, 2017
Rural Correspondent:  Mr. Fixit

 

Chef: Uncle Roger (beekeeper, candlemaker). Rog loves to fire up the waffle iron, and made a productive morning by churning out a stack of classic ones.

The toppings were a la carte, so I went with Some Of Everything including fruit, jam, yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

I think I got the first waffle of the batch, which like many food productions can tend to be sacrificial, so it was darker than the rest but still to my liking. It wouldn’t have won in a waffle-off, although some of the others in the batch looked right on the mark.

Of course, this particular waffle was made more impactful by the setting (well-loved farm; mild, sunny morning) and my own condition (freshly washed in the outdoor shower; corporeally caught up at the deluxe outhouse).

Rating:
3/5

Editorial note from Dougie: waffle experiences are heightened by the atmosphere and especially the company kept. This is a good time to remind you readers why we do what we do: Prologue to the Waffle Log Blog. We’re wishing Mr. Fixit continued camaraderie, comforts, and safe travels.

美味しい – oishii

Kazoku
November 2016

Dougie has a confession to make.

Though this is blog dedicated to waffles she has to admit her deep love of noodles. Rice noodles, pasta noodles, buckwheat noodles, zucchini noodles, sweet potato noodles, cold noodles, instant noodles, hot noodles, deep fried noodles, udon noodles, spicy noodles, all of the noodles.

Anyways, Dougie and smoonie went out for noodles. Ramen noodles. Ramen joints have also exploded in popularity and Dougie says, “noodle on”.

Okay, Dougie got to make her confession… But, so what? Why do YOU, oh faithful Waffle Log Blog readers, care? Well, much to the surprise of Dougie and her noodle-companion, smoonie, there was a waffle on the dessert menu! What an unexpected treat! Noodles and waffles together at last!

Dougie and smoonie had spent an intensive day dealing with mouse-abatement in a hundred year old basement so they worked up a significant appetite. So, after devouring a bowl of the best ramen in town, they were still eagerly anticipating dessert waffles.

The “Waffle Yaki” came out: two golden waffles stuffed with sweet red bean paste, drizzled with chocolate, and topped with ice cream The waffles were a touch too soft but excellent flavor: that ideal balance of sweet and savory batter. The red bean added a nice semi sweet flavour and luscious texture to the dessert. This waffle is at it’s prime when when hot n’ fresh. Also, Dougie and smoonie would like to note that it was an excellent compact waffle, an appropriate portion, and had a strong presentation game; it was a feast for the eyes too.

The owner was very proud of their homemade and made to order status. It wasn’t lost on the Sylvias.

Rating:
4/5 Dougie
3.5/5 smoonie 

Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes*

Canteen
November 5th, 2016

124th Street in Edmonton is peppered with a variety of trendy, new, local, casual, and quaint eateries. One such place is Canteen and Sly had, despite living nearby, never visited the restaurant. So, when smoonie and Suz made the brunch call Sly dropped what she was doing to meet them for a most welcome Saturday date.

Sly ordered the Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffle with toppings that change from week to week. We’ll get to that.

The waffle had a good sweet/savory balance of flavour and the interior was light, fluffy, even cloud-like in texture. This made for a agreeable brunch, not too heavy, so one could carry on with busy Saturday activities. The exterior, however, lacked that golden crisp that Sly loves from a waffle. Please note, that crispy and crunchy are entirely different qualifiers. A crunchy waffle would be a burnt disaster, Sly imagines. Much preferred is that oh-so thin and delicate golden crisp.

Let’s talk toppings.

Wow! Coconut carrot yogurt drizzled on top with almonds were so flavourful and mouth-wateringly good. The juicy chicken combined with the sauce and waffle was quite the treat. Chicken and waffles seem to be appearing on dozens of menus but Sly can say with confidence that Canteen has a unique take on the dish elevating the flavours beyond the sum of their parts.

smoonie ordered the Huevos Rancheros and revelled in the tasty meal. Suz got the flapjacks. Sly silently judged the pancakes but Suz said they were delicious. 

Ratings:
3.5/5

*I was unable to enter an establishment called Canteen without humming this…

A Solo Yolk

Place: Yolks, Vancouver
November 1st, 2016

Dougie ventured out on her own for a second waffle adventure in Vancouver. She felt like a bit of a dolt ordering the sweet Belgian Waffles at an establishment called Yolks, prided on their perfectly poached eggs. But, alas, Dougie takes her role as a Waffle-officer seriously, it’s part of her waffle-osophy. So, with the promise of perfect yolks foregone she ordered that sweet Belgian Waffle with definitive resolve.

Let’s get down to business. Dougie was entertained by the lively foot and road traffic on Broadway as she perched on the cozy barstool in the window. ‘Oh my goodness,” Dougie exclaimed when the waffle arrived at her window seat. The presentation and dusting of icing sugar made for a whimsical display almost too delightful to eat (in fact the real estate on the rectangle plate was difficult to navigate with the tower of waffles. Dougie deftly dissected the display).

Overall flavour and crispy exterior were excellent but the interior was a little dry. The slice of triangular butter added to the layered display but wasn’t practical for spreading. There was a fantastic helping of bacon and the fruit bowl drizzled with honey, lemon, and mint was superb. The attention to fruit bowl elevation made a usually cheap breakfast addition really standout. Refreshing! 

Dougie also thoroughly enjoyed the service, her server was charming, kind, and gave her very helpful directions to navigate the transit system.

Rating:
3.7/5

Scandalously Delicious

Place: Scandelicious, Vancouver
October 29th, 2016

Fun Time Douglas took a spontaneous journey to Vancouver Land during Halloween 2016 to visit her dear friend, Paige: Against The Machine. On this journey Fun Time Douglas was treated to spooky weather, long walks, museums, music, and a firework display that was most unexpected (but welcomed!) But that’s not why you’re here. Let’s get on with it…

Thanks to a travel savvy coworker a few waffle establishments were suggested to Fun Time Douglas before she embarked on this coastal excursion. First up: Scandelicious was charmingly Scandinavian in theme with Viking-like adornments and overall cozy atmosphere. Observing the chalk board display Fun Time Douglas marvelled at their dedication to waffles. The menu was extensive and the styles diverse!

Paige Against the Machine selected the Chicken and Waffles selection on the menu. And here are her notes:

Meat to waffle ratio was perfect.
Chicken was great, scrumptious even.
Sour cream was an unexpected addition, though a pleasant one.
Did not use the syrup because Paige Against the Machine does not like sweet savoury combos because it’s “weird”.
However, maple bacon was more than acceptable!

Fun Time Douglas ordered two waffles because she’s a dedicated ISCoW member and, well, she was on vacation right? That’s a justifiable reason to indulge in gluttonous activities. The first waffle sampled was the Classic waffle with butter and syrup, of course. The waffle was a warm golden hue, the pre melted butter a revelation (previously realized), the flavour was a balanced sweet and savory with airy pockets that delivered syrup. The only note that Fun Time Douglas noted was that it could have been crispier.

Fun Time Douglas is a prairie born and raised individual, so, when visiting any kind of waterfront location she makes a point of ordering water dwelling food items. The smoked salmon, caper, and onion waffle with cream cheese was a real g’damn treat.

Perhaps two waffles was too ambitious but, “I regret nothing” Funtime Douglas stated.

Let’s also recognize how gorgeous the sunshine on the damn near harbour front patio was. Gorgeous. The company kept was perfect and not just the coffee and sunshine but Paige Against the Machine brought her A-Waffle-Game and was an excellent transplanted Vacouverite host.

Ratings:

Paige Against the Machine: 4/5
Fun Time Douglas: 4.1/5

I’ll Get The Special, Please

Place: Albert’s Family Diner
October 5th, 2016

This entry is brought to you by the brevity of Critical Bill:

Kudos to the $5 egg special. Very crisp bacon. Competent and professional waitressing complete with jokes.

The waffle needed more crisp. I’m a big fan of the whipped butter. Waffle inner consistency was fluffy, though a touch under-done. 

Unanimous 3.5/5 from brief Bill and Silent Sly. 

Final remarks: It just didn’t kick no ass.

Yours in waffles.

MEAT for Breakfast

Place: MEAT, Edmonton
August 22nd, 2016

In 2016 The Brunch Crew was going strong with bunches of Sunday brunches that would often spiral into Sunday Fundays. However, this isn’t a Sunday Funday blog. Those adventures shall remain responsibly undocumented except for the fond memories.

The dollop of fluffy whipped butter took centre stage on this waffle while the waffle itself was a reliable, raw sugar infused, vehicle for the toppings. Crisp, golden, and quite the sweet treat. The sugar in the batter was an excellent companion to the rich and juicy fried chicken. The chicken was, as you might expect from a restaurant called MEAT, well crafted and incredibly delicious.

The only less than amazing comment Dougie to be made about these waffles is that they were, perhaps, too heavy on the inside lacking that light fluffy interior that the ISCoW adores.

The savoury seasoning on the chicken with the nearly candied waffle and rosemary maple syrup made a handsome and delicious pair.

Additionally, the beverages were of note: a black coffee, a tall glass of water, and a bourbon caesar. Quite the combination for a Sunday Funday.

Rating: 4.7/5

Hangover Waffles

Place: The Pint on Whyte
April 24th, 2016

Waffle of the Week: Chocolate Strawberry.

Disclaimer: Sly doesn’t like chocolate, so this review has a slightly higher than usual bias.

Here at the Waffle Log Blog we don’t like to dwell on unsatisfactory waffles for too long, the ISCoW thinks it’s best to acknowledge the experience, learn, and move on. So, having said that let’s get on with it.

This waffle was deceptively golden in colour and visually appealing with whimsical toppings of chocolate and strawberries. Though the exterior was crisp the inside what flavourless and disappointingly crumbly. Sly acknowledges that The Pint Public House and Sports Bar is more suited for burgers, wings, and obviously: pints of beer. Sly had a caesar to cure herself of the hangover Fun Time Douglas had inflicted upon her. It was everything she had hoped for and more with a bonus pepperoni stick serving as a meaty garnish with the beverage.

Before you lose your mind and start accusing Sly for her dislike of chocolate, there’s room for everyone here at the Waffle Log Blog. Chocolate lovers and dislikers and any which preference in between. The ISCoW would also like to point out that her dislike of chocolate means there’s more for you and no sharing required. “You’re welcome” she says.

The Pint’s hangover brunch does offer bottomless tater tots. You’ve been advised and/or warned.

Anyways..

Rating:
Sly: 2/5  

Brunching Down

Place: Daravara, Edmonton
November 29th,  2015

Fun Time Douglas and Even More Fun Time Douglas spent the weekend of November 29th, 2015 in secret studio mode crafting a covert birthday present for their Mother. When the sisters finally emerged from their seclusion of the darkroom and print studio they boisterously brunched together at Daravara.

Fun Time Douglas had recently tried the lunch-dinner menu’s clubhouse waffle-which and upon realizing the difficulty of comparing a savory chicken and waffles meal to a breakfast waffle she was enthusiastic to try the pub’s sweeter brunch fare.

The buttermilk butter was all aces in flavour, what an ingenious idea. The sister’s agreed the exterior of the waffle could’ve used that extra light crispy finesse as the waffle was a touch soft although not at all soggy. The customary side of bacon was of another calibur: thick cut, smoky, crispy, and bursting with bacon flavour.

The break for sustenance was very enjoyable, Daravara has great atmosphere, the friendliest of staff, and they know how to knock out some pretty tasty waffles: sweet and savory.

Rating:

3.5/5