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 Monday, March 25 here are six cafés to visit to devour everybody’s favourite brunch dish:
‘Meet Me Here’
A pleasant slice of the suburban ecosystem, Collective Espresso on Cookson Street is the ‘meet me here' place for Camberwell locals. An ideal location next to the railway station means commuters are satiated with a caffeine fix on their way to work, while families and groups are welcomed into a sleek interior with white subway tiles, communal bench seating and a light bright vibe.
Choose to sit kerbside and people watch while delving into buttermilk chicken and waffles with smoked bacon, poached egg and chipotle chilli mayo; or chilli scrambled egg with smoked paprika, capsicum, red onion, crispy shallot and fresh chilli on cheesy sourdough.
Stylish Waterfront Views
Soak up the stylish waterfront views in a relaxed setting at Quarterdeck Kitchen + Bar on Waterway Drive in Coomera. Located within the Gold Coast City Marina, Quarterdeck welcomes you to gaze over super yachts and the glistening river as you eat your way through a share menu inspired by tapas and the Middle East.
Stop by early on Monday and celebrate waffles in style, devouring chicken and croffles with fermented chilli hot honey and a swirl of cinnamon butter; while sweet tooths are enticed by French toast, labneh ice cream, fermented mixed berries and tuille.
Start Your Day on the Sunny Side
Soak up sea breezes and start your day on the sunny side at Tidal Café on Seaport Boulevard in Launceston. This well-loved local café oozes rustic charm with well-worn brick, recycled timber and seaside accents, or sit alfresco under colourful market umbrellas and take in the marina action as all manner of watercraft pass by.
After an early morning walk on Monday, tuck into Canadian waffles with crispy bacon, maple syrup and vanilla ice cream; or an oven-baked Spanish egg in a lightly spiced chorizo and tomato ragu, served with sourdough toast.
Refuel and Recharge Here
Those seeking Asian bites and delights on the Sunshine Coast find Coca Bar on Horton Parade in Sunshine Beach. Take a break from retail therapy at Sunshine Plaza shopping centre to refuel and recharge at this contemporary skewer and dessert restaurant in a stylish vibe of white subway tiles, potted and trailing greenery and bifold windows opening to bring the outside in.
Specialising in Asian bingsu shaved ice desserts, boozy bubble tea and grilled satay skewers, expect to devour offerings like signature mochi waffles topped with cinnamon, Biscoff, choco cookie gel or strawberry.
Buzzing with Coffee Lovers
When on the hunt for the best breakfast in Chirn Park, head down Musgrave Avenue to find well loved café Daark Espresso. An institution among professional brunchers, Daark is always buzzing with coffee lovers relaxing on the wrap-around deck; or join the lively chatter indoors where whitewashed walls, blond wood table settings, polished concrete floors and trailing greenery set the scene for memorable meals.
Make Monday your waffle day with Southern fried chicken, served on a housemade Belgian waffle, with bacon, vanilla butter and maple syrup; raspberry pancakes, Graham crackers, cream cheese, ice cream and berries satiate those with a sweet tooth.
Leave as a Friend
Come as a guest, leave as a friend at Lime & Coconut Cafe on George Street in the historic town of Windsor. Housed in an early 1800s building with white fretwork, seasoned wood, old school pickings of mismatched tables and chairs and shabby chic accents, sit awhile and ponder menu choices that are fresh, healthy, rich in love, flavour and goodness.
Enjoy a smooth King Carlos coffee alongside all-day breaky tempters such as a toasted waffle with mixed berries and cream, drizzled with maple syrup; those with a savoury bent, opt for bush tomato scrambled eggs, spinach, feta and salmon, on sourdough.
