Good Times and Good Waffles

Several weeks ago, Addy Goff, Sarah Austin, and I launched Waffle Wednesdays in Witherspoon. The event is at 11pm and $5 gets you a beautiful Belgian waffle and access to our grand topping bar and almost all the milk you can drink! All of the money goes towards Dance Marathon. For those of you just tuning in or who recently sold that rock under which you’ve been living, Charlotte Dance Marathon is November 7^th and all of us will dancing our socks off for 12 hours to support the Levine Children’s Hospital.

Back to waffles. The idea came from our mutual love of the leavened grid cakes and our shared struggle to raise money for Dance Marathon.  Although it’s for a great cause, the three of us are much better at selling a product of where the proceeds go to Dance Marathon rather than directly asking people for donations. The response has been encouraging. We average about twenty people, which brings in around $100, per event.  This week will be our fourth Waffle Wednesday.

Everyone is welcome (even those of you who illogically prefer pancakes). The music is upbeat—featuring everyone’s dad’s favorite songs—and it’s a peaceful, syrup-y oasis from whatever stress you might be under. 

From left to right: Sarah, Addy, and myself at the first DM in 2013

“We need to remember what's important in life: friends, waffles, work. Or waffles, friends, work. Doesn't matter, but work is third.” -Leslie Knope

Don't skimp on the toppings.

FAQ
Why do you own so many waffle irons?

-Why not.                   

What should I put on my waffle?

-Everything. Extra ice cream.

What if I don’t live in Witherspoon—can I still attend?

-Of course! Let us know and we’ll let you in.

Can I bring my own chicken?

-Absolutely, and good for you for kicking it old school with chicken and waffles. 

What milk do you have?

-2% and almond milk.

What is the history of the waffle? (**Honesty hour: no one’s ever asked me this, but who doesn’t love food history?**)

-The waffle is basically a leavened wafer. Around the 13^th century in Europe, the wafer was typically cooked on a griddle that had an engraved design, most commonly of a Biblical scene, and the wafers were used for communion during mass. However, eventually a leavening agent (probably beer yeast) was added and the griddle design evolved. More or less, voila, the waffle had arrived and was here to stay.