Flavored Waffles
Blueberry and beyond
When you’ve named yourself Blueberry, you have to use blueberries in plenty of things. This breakfast and lunch place puts them in its muffins, pancakes and, of course, waffles. The blueberry waffle is based on a classic waffle batter with blueberries stirred in, and it’s dusted with powdered sugar, topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with more blueberries. If you want something a little sweeter, try the chocolate waffle studded with semisweet chocolate chips, also sprinkled with sugar and finished off with whipped cream. (Waffles, $8.50.)
Blueberry, 510 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 394-7766.
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Served all day long
At the Newsroom Cafe, two very different waffles are served all day long. There’s the organic blue corn variety (actually, light purple in color); it has a slightly chewy texture and comes with toasted pine nuts, blueberries and bananas. And there’s the daily vegan spa waffle, made from a whole-grain batter, with a choice of fruit toppings that vary according to the season and day. Both are served with warm 100% Vermont maple syrup. (Waffles, $7.25.)
Newsroom Cafe, 120 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 652-4444.
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A variety of textures
The Cottage makes several waffles, all with different textures. When you bite into the deep brown buckwheat waffle, you can taste a variety of grains, which give this waffle a complex chewy taste and texture. The granola waffle is crunchy, and the blueberry waffle is light and fluffy. Each kind comes with butter, hot syrup and two eggs. If you like your waffles with whipped cream, just ask. (Waffles with two eggs, $7.50.)
The Cottage, 308 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 494-3023.
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Thin and crisp
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House features thin, crisp waffles with flavors that can be pressed into the grid of holes. They create a crust on the surface of the waffle, filling all the crevices with the flavor you choose -- macadamia, pecan, bacon-cheese or cinnamon-raisin, to name a few. (Waffles, $4.50 to $5.75.)
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, 1305 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach, (310) 545-5177.