Elvis Special Waffle at Clementine Jamie R. Liu

Dish of the Week: Waffles
Where: Belga, St. Arnold’s

I’ve never been a big fan of pancakes — they’ve always tended to smell better than they taste. Waffles, on the other hand, I find to be the champion of the bread-y breakfast foods. I love the crispy edges, and the tendency toward being slightly sweeter than pancakes. And I wouldn’t mind if D.C. had walk up windows that sold portable hand waffles for consumption while walking around — they have them for crepes.

One of the best waffles I’ve had in recent memory is at Clementine in Baltimore. Slightly greasy, with delicate, almost lacy, crisp edges, their waffle is reminiscent of funnel cakes. The texture is a perfect mix of crisp and soft. Their original is dusted with powdered sugar, and topped with strawberries and whipped cream. Skip their Elvis Special, which doesn’t quite live up its indulgent name — the chocolate, bacon and banana elements are limited to a dollop of whipped cream on top, rather than a smothered pile of tasty bits.

But if you don’t want to make the journey to Baltimore, Belga, and St. Arnold’s have waffles on their menus seven days a week. And many more places have tasty waffles on the weekends, and during brunch. Where’s your favorite waffle?

Small Bites
The beer is better in…
D.C. and New York will be representing with beer and beats at DC9 on March 5. They’ll be hosting a tasting of beers from Brooklyn (Lager, Black Chocolate Stout, Local Two, Sorachi Ace, Brewmasters Reserve) and DC Brau (Public, Citizen, Corruption, Penn Quarter Porter, Wings of Armageddon) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Then the bands playing the DC/NY band showcase at SXSW will kick off at 9 pm., including Another Brother, Deadbeat Darling, and Urban Cartel. Tickets are $20 for the beer tasting, and $8 for the music.

Does this gluttony end with someone’s head in a box?
Meridian Pint and Smoke & Barrel are hosting a series of indulgent events. Smoke & Barrel kicks it off on March 7 with Beer Meat Whiskey. For $40 (including tax and tip), you’ll get three courses of unique meat plates (smoked salmon, wild boar ragout, veal shanks) with a shot of rye and a beer. The Pint follows it up on March 10 from 3-6 p.m. with beer and Cowgirl Creamery cheese tasting. Also $40, you’ll be able to sample five unique cheese and five unique beers. If you buy tickets to both events you will save $10.