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| Liège waffle w/powdered sugar |
If you've ever had the pleasure to visit Belgium
then you know exactly what this is ---->>>
One of the most wonderful, enticing, delicious forms of baked carbs on the planet. I introduce to you the Liège waffle.
******* The Story******
The Liège waffle (from the city of Liège, in eastern Belgium) is a richer, denser, sweeter, and chewier waffle. Invented by the chef of the prince-bishop of Liège in the 18th century as an adaptation of brioche bread dough, it features chunks of pearl sugar, which caramelizes on the outside of the waffle when baked. It is the most common type of waffle available in Belgium and is prepared in plain, vanilla and cinnamon varieties by street vendors across the nation.
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| Liège waffle |
In Europe, this waffle is one of few products prepared to be eaten “on the go”. It is typically served in a paper wrapping and eaten with the hands…no plate or fork required. Delicious, popular and portable… The Liège waffle is a sweet snack that can be enjoyed any time of day or night.
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| Jean Francois |
When I moved back to LA I have to admit that the one heart string being pulled was my craving for more waffles; where would I go now? Would there be a place in LA that could make them just as good? Or should I just buy a Liège waffle iron (a special iron exported from Belgium) and beg Jean-François for the recipe, exclaiming that it's life or death and I just can't part with them. Well, lucky for me I didn't have to, Jean-François began shipping them all over the country shortly there after, now in a matter of 2 days or less (depending on shipping) I can be enjoying my waffles in the comfort of my LA home with the wonderful LA weather that comes with it. Now if only I can predict when I'd be craving one, I could be a step ahead in the ordeing process. The one downside, you are getting them a couple of days later and even though Jean-François provides you with excellent reheating instructions, there is NOTHING like fresh Liège waffles, NOTHING. Enter, Shaky Alibi! What a great name right? Shaky Alibi is actually a Liège wafflery, just opened in the heart of Mid-city, located on Beverly Blvd and Martel they are open daily. I came across Shaky completely by accident, I had seen their signage up for a bit, that they were opening soon and all that jazz but nothing stated what it was going to be, my thoughts: a bar. It's a great name for a bar, some seedy little joint with bad lighting, big booths and lots of wanna be un-questionable's hiding in the shadows. So imagine my amazement when I read online that they are indeed open and serving LA's first Liège waffles. I was stoked! I immediately grabbed my bag, keys and mom and we rushed over to try this new hot spot out.
Of course I was skeptical, I had been spoiled in Cincinnati, Jean-François was a true Belgs and was after all the first to introduce me to these bready delights; none the less I went with an open heart, mind and empty stomach. RJ (the owner) and his wife, Jean - promptly greeted us at the door, you're instantly welcomed in and told to sit where ever you like (which at this point was only at the waffle bar), they are very chatty, excited and eager to serve you, educate you and most importantly get your feedback. I think that's what I loved the most about the place, RJ and his crew are so excited about this venture and genuinely want to teach the world (or at least LA to start) about these waffles and what makes them so special. I could already tell that few of his customers walked in knowing the difference between a Liège waffle and a Belgium waffle, he was genuinely surprised that we knew of them and had eaten them before. It totally made his day. We ordered the waffles topped with a Specklous spread (think Nutella mixed with rice crispy), two cappuccinos and sat patiently watching the process unfold. RJ reached into the fridge and I was so happy to see the exact same dough that I'd watched François place on the iron so many times before. I knew we were off to a good start.
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| The Liège waffle Iron |
The irons were the same large, heavy and stainless steel. He placed the dough in the center, lowered the lid on top and the heat is what melts and flattens the waffle. The whole process takes about 4- 5 minutes and two waffles can be done at a time. Don't go in expecting MacDonald's quick service, but thats not what you'd want anyway, right? Theses waffles are made when you order and are piping hot when you get them, there are no microwaves, no heat lamps and waffles aren't stacked to the ceiling waiting for you to come in. I asked RJ if this had been a problem, being that in LA like many other parts of the country we are impatient, demanding and want what we want ASAP, he kindly stated- those that appreciate what they're getting and know that care, love and time went into making this item, they don't mind the wait. If you just let people know before hand that everything is prepared fresh, that usually helps ease the tension and anxiety when you see a long line.
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| Hazelnut Capucinno |
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| Leige Waffle w/Speckulos |
Shaky Alibi is a success and although Taste of Belgium and Jean-François will always hold a special place in my heart, I'm happy to know that there is someplace equally as fantastic a little closer to home.
Speaking of which, I think it's time for another trip over there. :-)
Ciao!
Where to go!
Home of the Authentic Waffle
We make Liege Waffle from scratch in small batch
WE SHIP our Liege waffles all over the US.
Call 513-381-3280 or Email
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Shaky Alibi
7401 BEVERLY BLVD. (corner of Martel)
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.938.5282
323.938.5282
Check out Tasting Tables great article about Shaky Alibi!
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