connoisseur Bragging Bites
whopping waffles
Sure, we’ve heard of chicken and waffles, but Bistro Alex in the cool Hotel Sorella serves a masterpiece fit for a linebacker—or perhaps the indecisive diner who can’t choose just one entree. Chicken and waffles on the jazz-style Sunday brunch menu starts with two slightly sweet, plushy waffles stacked with two massive cornflake-crusted boneless chicken breasts that are seasoned and quickly fried to perfection. The chicken manages to be tender, juicy and completely crispy thanks to the brilliant cornflake coating. It’s drizzled with not syrup, but a rich and zippy andouille sausage cream sauce laced with bits of jalapeno. The crowning jewel is a perfectly cooked sunny side up egg, which oozes when pierced with a fork. Please pass the mimosas, king brunch is served. Bistro Alex • 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. 713-827-3545 • bistroalex.com
Southern Sophistication
Breakfast and brunch are all about the bacon…and now waffles…and quail. New Orleans celeb-chef John Besh pulls his epic waffle creation together in posh style at Lüke, San Antonio. It starts with large round homemade waffles that are golden and crispy-edged from the waffle iron. Those are topped with moist and flavorful half bone-in Texas quail that has been deep-fried to a crackly crunch with a buttermilk batter. Smoky bacon and mushroom gravy kissed with sage and scallions warms up the quail side of the dish. The warm waffle cubbyholes get doused in fruity local peach syrup and a pop of powdered sugar. Savory, fruity, crunchy and soft… this dish fires on all cylinders. Lüke • 125 East Houston St., San Antonio 210-227-5853 • lukesanantonio.com
Brenlee McKnight | Kit Whol | Driskill Hotel
Lone star charmer
Happen to be Texas proud and have a sweet tooth? Here’s your waffle dish…shaped like the Lone Star State. The Texas pecan waffle at the 1886 Café Bakery in the Driskill Hotel is a menu favorite hailing from the early ‘70s when the hotel was almost demolished and the Heritage Society took over the bakery to serve its sweets. Generous and puffy, the bronzed edged waffle topped with toasted Texas pecans, fresh bananas, blueberries or strawberries will brighten up any morning with its scrumptious flavors and homespun shape. The plate dazzles with intense blackberry jam coulis and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. Don’t mess with Texas, waffles that is! 1886 Café Bakery • 604 Brazos St., Austin 512-391-7066 • 1886cafeandbakery.com
march/april • 2013
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