Funk N Waffles

October 4, 2008 7:30ish pm
Funk N Waffles! Just the name alone makes you want to go there. And the first time I heard about them I was ready to go. The basic concept at Funk N Waffles is a mix of a cool café with a very hippie motif and a menu consisting of few things other than waffles. Now one thing they don’t do at Funk N waffles is stifle the imagination. The waffles consist of any thing from you very classic Belgin waffle with berries to the Monte Cristo (Ham and Egg) Waffle. Now my visit on October 4^th was not my first ( and actually I have been back since), it was actually my third.

My first visit was on a visit home from school. Me and a few Friends hopped over to Funk N Waffles just to try it out. There was about six of us, and I have to say from what I remember our food was out in a very reputable time frame. Unfortunately, though I was not very impressed with my meal. I ordered the Falafel Waffle (fun to say, not so much to eat). Now, I wouldn’t consider myself an authority on Greek food but, I’ve tasted quite a bit in my day. And the falafel that I have eaten is has a very moist inside surrounded by a bit of a crispy exterior. This waffle unfortunately was not that at all. It was a very thick and heavy consistency, and a little to bready. (Suggestion: Thin the waffle mix a little, grease the iron with olive oil, and use a higher temp for that crispy exterior…Reference Alton Brown: Good Eats [Waffle episode]) But I returned again that same weekend by a fluke and had that Banana Walnut Waffle which was delicious.

So this on this particular visit my goal was to try their very unique Spinach and Feta Waffle, served with smoked salmon (Locks) and sour cream. Now I would like to establish one fact about me I eat an incredible amount of these three ingredients (spinach, feta cheese, and salmon), especially in the summer time. I wanted to like this waffle, oh I so wanted to like this waffle. It was actually the whole point of this visit. ( I had seen one of the owners on a TV specially for the NY State Fair, and he featured this waffle) The most positive aspect of this waffle was the presentation. The waffle was very colorful. I tired the salmon first, I couldn’t do the texture or the very strong aroma that I believe is a signature for smoked salmon. The waffle on the other hand had a nice consistency, but lacked in seasoning. Spinach is a very bland vegetable (except when it has that metallic, gritty taste; neither did this waffle have) so in order for a spinach waffle to be savory, in my opinion you would need flavors to savor. (Suggestion: Season the waffle mix itself )

My friend Karen swears by there Chicken and Waffle. “5 out of 5”-Karen I can see why she would love it the chicken wings have been perfectly cooked each time we’ve been there (she orders the same thing every time lol) and they are very well seasoned, perfectly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. I also must mention that one of the pickiest eaters that I know was also won over by the Chicken and waffle. (Nadine, you know who you are) Jessica got the Buckwheat BlueBerry Waffle, she’s vegetarian btw, she liked it a lot. She said that she didn’t even need syrup. I tried it and I thought that the texture was definitely interesting, and had a good flavor. Something I think that I would definitely order on my own so I could get the full experience.

Overall my review for Funk N Waffles would be…Fair. They leave much to be desired with some menu choices. But they also serve a full espresso menu, and provide a great atmosphere and live music. So I would still rate Funk and waffles as a good place to just chill and spend an evening with a friend. There is so much to say about the musical shows they offer, but that’s another blog another time.

Till the next time…you’ve been bitten!