Chowdown Showdown: It's Always Time for Belgian Waffles

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Let's hear it for Belgium! Not only is Belgium the international standard for chocolate making, but Belgium invented the french fry and generously exports its lambics. And, of course, Belgium created arguably the best breakfast and brinner food: the Belgian waffle. In Belgium, there are several varieties of waffles, but the Belgian waffle most similar to the ones we enjoy here in the U.S. are known as "Brussels waffles" there. In fact, they would have been called Brussels waffles here, too, if Americans weren't known for our poor geography skills. (Can you find Brussels on the map?)

Yeast is used in Belgian waffles to make them puffier and bigger than American waffles (which tend to rely soley on baking powder). 

Waffles at my house are made in a Hello Kitty waffle iron, so while my home waffles are definitely adorable, I do admit that a lot of restaurant waffles taste better than mine. Sucking in my pride and taking reader suggestions, I set out to find the best Belgian waffle in Lincoln-Way.

Double Yolk Pancake House, Mokena 

Double Yolk is busy on a Sunday morning, and it's easy to see why. With its huge menu and generous portions, it's definitely a crowd-pleasing place. I was in a fruity mood, so I ordered the fresh cinnamon apple waffle, not knowing if the fruit would be in the batter or on top. As it turned out, cinnamon apples were thrown generously over the top of the waffle in large, delicious slices. However, there was a lot of cinnamon sauce that collected in the pockets of the waffle, making the waffle soggy and overpowering the flavor. 

The good: Tasty apples and a nice warm waffle make a nice brunch.

The bad: An abundance of cinnamon sauce dominated the waffle. 

, New Lenox 

When I stopped at Broken Egg, I was in a strawberry mood, so I orderd a waffle with strawberries. I had my choice of plain or berries in gel, so I went with plain. When the waffle arrived, I was glad for this challenge: It smelled amazing. I pushed the berries to the side, ate the waffle with just a bit of butter and couldn't have been happier. (Then for dessert, I ate the strawberries with a side of whipped cream.)

The good: A terrific standalone waffle and fresh strawberries make a girl love summer.

The bad: Let me get back to you on that.

, Frankfort 

At Lumes, I almost ordered their signature waffle (with berries and sliced banana) but since I'm very picky about bananas, I went instead the short stack of mini waffles. Dusted with powdered sugar and perfectly browned hot out of the iron, these waffles were very cute. Unfortunately, the middles were still a bit doughy, making me glad I didn't order the big one. 

The good: These mini waffles had a delicious crispy outside.

The bad: The insides were undercooked. 

THE WINNER: in New Lenox. I don't know if the strawberries will be as tasty come November (unlikely), but this August waffle was the best I've had in years. 

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• Frankfort establishments
• New Lenox establishments
• Mokena establishments

Future Chowdown Showdown challenges include ribs and Reuben sandwiches. Give your suggestions below!