Did you know waffles inspired Nike’s first pair of sneakers? American Bill Bowerman was watching his wife use their waffle iron in 1971 when he noticed the honeycomb shape of the waffle.
He realised it would be the perfect shape for the sole of an athletic sneaker and he actually used a waffle iron to create the first Nike sneaker sole – the Waffle Trainer.
As we prepare for National Waffle Day on Saturday, March 25, here are four cafés to visit to devour everybody’s favourite brunch dish:
Fresh, quality ingredients are the keywords at Crunchy’s All-Day Desserts on Brisbane Street in Jimboomba. Run by a Dutch family, this licensed café specialises in Belgian waffles, poffertjes and crêpes, which are all cooked to order in theatre-style in the centre of the venue, while a greenery-filled décor, warm hues, ambient lighting and a crazy paving floor provide a stunning background for leisurely dining.
Stop in on Saturday and devour a signature share Double Decker waffle, with two stacked waffles, four ice cream flavours, mixed berries, melted dark chocolate, chocolate shavings and whipped cream.
Clean, fresh and earthy fare is what has Umina Beach locals and visitors alike returning time and again to Café RONTO on West Street. This Central Coast dining destination has a bright and breezy vibe of polished wood floors, white subway tiles and trailing greenery, while white table settings under market umbrellas beckon for alfresco catch-ups on balmy days.
For a decadent breaky on Saturday, delve into banoffee waffles – creamy caramel, banana, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, shaved chocolate, shortbread crumbs and fresh berries…yummo!
Duck and waffle anyone? Morpha Café on Franklin Street in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD is the place to head this weekend to indulge in both sweet and savoury waffle cravings. Offering seasonal waffle choices from fresh berries, chocolate and cream to duck leg and a poached egg, there is something for everyone at this diner nestled in Fulton Lane.
Other popular menu items include a soft-shell crab croissant, with mozzarella scrambled eggs, cocktail sauce, chorizo, onion, tomato and fresh micro herbs; or sourdough toast topped with charred octopus, edamame, hummus, tobiko and mayo.
For the best waffles in Wyong, head down Dulmison Avenue to discover locally-loved café North Grounds Co for fresh fare with flair. Take to the balcony on balmy Central Coast days with an aromatic coffee of choice and watch the world pass by, or meet family and friends indoors where an industrial-style vibe of exposed brick, polished concrete and cosy table settings beckons for lingering over a meal.
Don’t go past signature Southern fried chicken and maple bacon waffles, with onion rings, American cheese, maple syrup and sriracha sauce; or the classic version with banana, strawberries, blueberries, maple syrup, vanilla ice cream and icing sugar.
Stop waffling on and get yourself down to a café near you on Saturday and dig in…for more venues near you, click here.
