Waffles to expand up north?

According to a post in Monday’s Chicago Eater, Waffles at 1400 S. Michigan Ave. is planning on expanding up north, perhaps in Lakeview.

Waffles has been attracting folks from north side neighborhoods since opening, prompting General Manager, Alex Hernandez to scout locations around Lakeview. This time around, Hernandez is looking for a space with a kitchen.

If Waffles does open up north, Hernandez said he would “tweak” the menu and might add dinner service. Waffles tried dinner service in the South Loop on Fridays in the fall with modest results.

Waffles has been attracting large breakfast and lunch crowds
since opening last August.

Waiting for Waffles

We told you. Barely open two weeks, Waffles at 1400 S. Michigan Ave., and their weekend business is out the door. The unique new brunch spot is carving a niche for itself in the neighborhood with it’s sweet and savory waffle creations.

General Manager, Alex Hernandez says Waffles will be adding more items specifically for take-out, including freshly made doughnuts.

Have you been to Waffles? What was your experience like? You can “like” them on Facebook and “follow” them on Twitter.

Waffles is a Winner

Welcome to Waffles
Waffles at 1400 S. Michigan Ave. had their friends and family opening today. We were first in line and ready to be impressed by this much-anticipated breakfast/lunch spot in the South Loop. We were not disappointed.

Not Your Grandfather’s Waffles
We ordered the chicken and bacon waffle and the Mexican chocolate waffle. The chicken waffle was savory rather than sweet and the fried chicken (drum and thigh) was crispy on the outside and moist and tender on the inside. The waffle had pieces of bacon baked into it and was topped with a spicy maple syrup. The waffle didn’t just taste good, it looked beautiful on the plate. The Mexican chocolate waffle with orange Anglaise was topped with a spicy cocoa powder and shaved dark chocolate. Another piece of art on a plate, but that didn’t stop us from eating every bite of it.

Green Tea Waffle: Going, going, gone!

Light and Crispy
The waffles for both dishes were light and crispy, not a bit oily or heavy, which was good because General Manager, Alex Hernandez asked if we’d like to try the green tea waffle. This unusual creation is served with lemon ginger, Chantilly cream topped with ground pistachio, powdered sugar, and candied violet. It’s a good thing we had enough self-control to take photos of each waffle dish; otherwise the pictures would be of empty plates.

"Waffles: Friends and Family"

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Other Fare
Besides waffles, Waffles serves eggs and omelets and sandwiches. A friend who stopped by a bit later, ordered the vegetable omelet and it looked just as inviting as any of the waffles served. The space is modern, but warm, and is family-friendly. Don’t be afraid to bring your stroller. Intelligentsia coffee is served, alongside fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juices. Waffles will begin normal operation Thursday, August 17, 2011. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. You may call them for information and reservations at 312-854-8572.

"Waffles" to Open Late June

Sneak Peek
I spent some time with Alex Hernandez, proprietor of Waffles, a new breakfast and lunch place at 1400 S. Michigan, tentatively scheduled to open on June 28. I got a peek at the build-out, and a preview of the menu.

Independent Restaurant
First off, there is no business association with Japonais. Based on the e-mail address posted to the window, this blog and a few others speculated that this might be the case. However, owner Hernandez currently works at Japonais, but will be ending his relationship with the Chicago landmark as the opening of Waffles draws closer. Waffles Chef Jason Hilgers was formerly with Japonaise and The Bristol.

A look at the bar under construction at Waffles

Loft-Like Feel
The space is large and loft-like with vaulted ceilings. There will be a bar (they’re applying for a liquor license) and the space will include three flat-screen TVs. In addition, there is a private space for small groups or business meetings. The space will be equipped to support audio-visual equipment for meetings that might require those devices.

Not Your Typical Waffle Joint
Taking one look at the menu (still in process), we can safely say this isn’t your grandfather’s waffle joint. The new eatery will be serving up two types of waffles: Brussels and Liege. Krampouz, a French company, is the manufacturer of the waffle presses to be used at Waffles. Krampouz also makes commercial grade crêpe makers and griddles.

"Waffles @ 1400 S. Michigan"

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Menu Preview
Some of the waffle dishes on the menu include “Waffle Benedict,” “Green Tea,” and “Albondiagas.” The latter includes “pork and lamb meatballs in a spicy tomato stew severed over an Asiago mint waffle.” We think it’s safe to say you’re not going to find that on the menu at IHOP. Lunch fair includes sandwiches and salads. Vegetarian options will also be available. Hernandez pointed out to me that Allen Brothers located here in Chicago would supply their meat. Lastly, we can expect alfresco dining this season if all the permitting goes according to plan.

As new information becomes available, we’ll post it here.