The Waffle Experience: The Ultimate Breakfast (And Lunch) Spot?

If you’re a breakfast lover there’s a spot you can’t miss: The Waffle Experience in Newbury Park, CA. This restaurant specializes in serving unique, creative waffle combinations that will leave you craving for more.

On a recent visit to The Waffle Experience, we had the chance to try two of their most popular dishes: the Benedict Arnold and the Johnny Appleseed waffles. The Benedict Arnold is made with house-cured Canadian bacon, eggs, kale, apple compote, chive grain mustard hollandaise, and a liege waffle. The combination of flavors is simply amazing, with the sweetness of the apple compote balancing the saltiness of the bacon and the tangy hollandaise sauce. The waffle itself is fluffy and flavorful.

The Johnny Appleseed waffles, on the other hand, are a sweet treat that combines apple pie filling, cherrywood smoked bacon bits, fresh whipped cream, powdered sugar, house-made caramel, and a cinnamon nutmeg liege waffle. This dish is a perfect example of The Waffle Experience’s ability to blend sweet and savory flavors in a creative way. The combination of the warm apple pie filling, the smoky bacon bits, and the sweet caramel sauce is heavenly, while the liege waffle is crispy and chewy at the same time.

Aside from the waffles, we also tried the bacon, seasoned potatoes, and french fries. The bacon was perfectly crispy, while the potatoes and fries were crispy, well-seasoned and complemented the waffles nicely.

The atmosphere at The Waffle Experience is cozy and inviting, with a rustic decor and friendly staff that make you feel right at home. The restaurant is spacious and well-lit, with plenty of seating options, both indoors and outdoors.

Overall, The Waffle Experience is a must-try breakfast spot in Newbury Park. The unique waffle creations, friendly atmosphere, and excellent service make it a top choice for anyone looking for a delicious and memorable breakfast experience.

If you want to try to make these tasty waffles at home, try the recipe below.

Recipe: Authentic Liege Waffles

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (175ml) lukewarm milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (150g) pearl sugar (available in specialty stores or online)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and a pinch of sugar in the lukewarm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. Gradually pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture while stirring. Continue mixing until a sticky dough forms.
4. Add the softened butter to the dough and knead it for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.
5. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
6. Gently deflate the risen dough and fold in the pearl sugar until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions (about 3-4 tablespoons of dough per portion). Shape each portion into a rough ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each ball to allow for expansion.
8. Cover the dough balls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for about 15-20 minutes.
9. Preheat a waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
10. Once the waffle iron is hot, place one dough ball onto each section of the iron. Close the lid and cook the waffles for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and caramelized.
11. Carefully remove the Liege waffles from the iron and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
12. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls, ensuring the waffle iron is properly heated each time.
13. Serve the warm Liege waffles as they are, or with your favorite toppings such as powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate spread.
14. Enjoy these delectable, sweet, and slightly crispy Liege waffles with their unique pearl sugar pockets and rich flavors. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful treat any time of the day!

Note: Liege waffles are known for their dense, chewy texture and caramelized sugar clusters. Pearl sugar is essential for achieving the authentic Liege waffle experience.