Pancakes

I don't know if the publisher of the Odenton Patch was onto something with his , but February 28, 2012, is National Pancake Day, as least as advertised by the International House of Pancakes (IHOP). IHOP advertises a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes at participating IHOP locations all day that day. In return, they ask guests to consider donating to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

I don't know about  you, but I always related National Pancake Day to Shrove Tuesday. Many countries that do not celebrate Lent with a Mardi Gras, Carnival, Fasching-type celebration with a Fat Tuesday feast instead eat pancakes on the day immediately prior to the Lenten fasting. As a matter of fact, though, I really don't care when it is or why they call it National Pancake Day. I'll take the free pancakes!

So what are pancakes?  According to Wikipedia, a pancake is a thin, flat, round cake prepared from a batter, and cooked on a hot griddle or frying pan. Typically, pancakes are cooked on one side on a griddle and flipped partway through to cook the other side. There are thin Swedish pancakes, French crepes, German pfannkuchen, and even the gigantic Dutch pannenkoeken. I just prefer the plain, old-fashioned American pancakes that are often referred to as hotcakes, griddlecakes, or flapjacks.

I can tell you that pancakes are definitely a passion of mine. My wife and kids will tell you that any time someone asks what to eat, my reply is always, "pancakes!"  I guess that makes me somewhat of an aficionado. I feel like Sam I Am of Dr. Seuss fame — I will eat them here or there; I will eat them anywhere!  I've made special treks for pancakes to, among other places, Stanley in New Orleans, the Original Pancake House (various locations), the Hominy Grill in Charleston, SC, and Miss Shirley's in Baltimore. I still take any chance I can to hit a Perkins Restaurant and Bakery, though the closest is in the far Western Maryland town of McHenry.

It was my intent to write a critical article explaining the pros and cons of the pancakes at all the various local restaurants in the Odenton area, but the timing of the Odenton Patch article and the IHOP National Pancake Day made me change that (at least for now). I can tell you that I've tried pancakes at local places such as church and firehouse fundraisers, Bob Evans (multiple locations), the , Denny's (multiple locations), Double T Diner (multiple locations), Frank's Diner (Jessup), Friendly's, Grillfire, IHOP, , Mimi's Cafe (Elkridge), Perry's Tastee Diner (Laurel), Cracker Barrel (closest is Stevensville, MD), and in Annapolis.

My basic criteria are that they be light and fluffy. Nothing too thick or dry.  They must be flavorful and have the ability to soak up some syrup. I absolutely hate it when the syrup either just runs off the top or completely soaks into the pancake.  Finally, the best come with a small jug of syrup, not just a small little cup. The absolute best pancake I ever had was an oatmeal pancake at a small place called "Not Exactly Charlie's" in downtown St. Paul, MN.  I still clearly recall the sad last pancake my friends Tom Kempe, George Perez, and I ate right before the place closed for good.  Nothing since has even come close.

I get hungry just thinking about pancakes!  Oh, and as for the best I've had locally, the honor has to go to Chick & Ruth's Delly.  The only problem is getting a seat in that place!  The rest rank, in order, as follows: Cracker Barrel (due primarily to the real maple syrup), Frank's Diner, Tastee Diner, Perry's, and IHOP.  Let the arguments begin!