Pancakes Near Me vs. Around the World
Pancakes are a breakfast favorite in America and obviously for us at The Original Pancake House. We love them served simply with butter and maple syrup or in any of the delicious variations we offer. But did you know that they are also enjoyed in many different forms in other countries? Let’s take a look at how the pancakes near me stack up to those being served around the world.
In Germany they are called pfannkuchen and they are made large and thin, similar to French crepes. They are served with a variety of sweet or savory toppings and generally enjoyed at lunch or dinner as opposed to breakfast.
Uganda makes small, sweet pancakes called kabalagala that are made from mashed bananas and cassava flour.
Australians call them pikelets. They are small, thick pancakes often served at tea time with jam and whipped cream.
Greek style pancakes are called tiganites and usually are made with yeast. They are typically topped with honey, yogurt and nuts.
In Korea they make a savory pancake called kimchijeon which has finely chopped kimchi and scallions in the batter and is served with a soy sauce based dipping sauce.
The Swedish make raggmunk, which is a savory pancake made from potatoes, often served with fried pork (like our bacon) and lingonberry jam.
If you’re ever searching for delicious American style pancakes near me, your search will end at The Original Pancake House!
That Other Breakfast Menu Star - French Toast
French toast can surely be found on every breakfast menu across the country. It shows up in classic form as well as endless delicious variations. It is simple comfort food and often one of the first recipes that children learn to cook at home with their parents.
Like so many other dishes throughout history, French toast is a dish born out of a need to utilize everything and eliminate waste. At some point a resourceful cook realized that stale bread becomes a new dish after you soak it in liquid and cook it again. The earliest known reference to a dish like French toast is in the Apicius, a collection of recipes in Latin that dates to the 4th and 5th centuries. The recipe calls for soaking bread in milk and eggs, frying it and serving it covered with honey.
According to The Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink, the dish of soaked, fried bread was first referred to as French Toast in print in 1871. The French call it pain perdu, or “lost bread,” meaning the bread is lost to staleness but can be made new again with moisture and cooking. To this day pain perdu is a popular New Orleans breakfast dish. In 1887 a recipe for American Toast appeared in the White House Cookbook. It called for soaking and cooking bread in the same manner as French toast.
At The Original Pancake House we have four delicious versions of French Toast on our breakfast menu. We promise we don’t mind when you order it instead of pancakes!
Why Do We Love Brunch in Denver?
There are a lot of great choices for brunch in Denver, including The Original Pancake House. This long-standing social tradition is a favorite in the Mile High City. What better way to enjoy a relaxing weekend than with a leisurely late meal and good company?
Everyone knows that both the word brunch and the common foods served are a combination of breakfast and lunch. But do you know where this tradition came from? The word itself was coined in 1895 England by a writer named Guy Beringer in his article, Brunch: A Plea. He wrote about a need for an alternative to the traditional big Sunday dinner. He thought that a lighter, more social meal would “make life brighter for Saturday-night carousers.”
Before the word brunch was being used, the act of enjoying a large meal was being practiced. Traditional English breakfasts before a big hunting party featured multiple courses and a wide variety of meats, egg dishes and desserts. It was also traditional for Catholics to fast before Sunday mass and then eat a large midday meal. It was in the 1930’s that he tradition of brunch seems to have become popular in America. Hollywood stars on cross-country train trips would stop in Chicago for a late morning meal. Many restaurants were closed on Sundays so hotels took advantage of this by developing and promoting their brunch menus.
World War II also plays a role in the popularization of brunch. During the war, many married women went to work. Many kept their jobs after the war and going out to eat on Sunday was necessary to give them a much-needed break. Church attendance also started to drop post-WWII and brunch was an opportunity for people to eat and socialize in the late morning.
When you want to celebrate history with brunch in Denver, come visit us at The Original Pancake House!
Breakfast Restaurants Love Eggs Benedict
We can all agree that no menu at breakfast restaurants is complete without Eggs Benedict. This classic breakfast dish consisting of a toasted English muffin topped with ham, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce has long been a standard of the American breakfast table. But do you know where it came from?
The true story of how Eggs Benedict became a staple of breakfast restaurants is unknown. One account says that it was created in 1894 by retired stock broker Lemuel Benedict who went to the Waldorf Hotel looking for a hangover cure. He ordered buttered toast with poached eggs, bacon and Hollandaise sauce. The famous maitre d’hotel at the time, Oscar Tschirky, decided to add it to the breakfast menu. He made the simple changes of an English muffin standing in for toast and ham instead of bacon.
Another story says that the dish was created by Chef Charles Ranhofer of Delmonico’s Restaurant. It was reportedly created in the 1860’s for customer Mrs. LeGrand Benedict, after she said she wanted something new to eat for lunch. Ranhofer’s recipe was published in his 1894 cookbook The Epicurean.
Yet another theory says the dish is based on the French recipe oeufs Benedictine made from fried bread that is spread with a salt cod and potato puree then topped with poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce. It is believed that Chef Ranhofer of Delmonico’s may have been familiar with this recipe and created a version with ham that would be more appealing than salt cod.
When you want to enjoy this delicious fixture of breakfast restaurants you can come to The Original Pancake House. We offer two versions; the classic Eggs Benedict and a vegetarian version with spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes.
Celebrate the Delicious History of the Waffle
At The Original Pancake House we may pride ourselves on our namesake breakfast item, but we love the waffle just as much. We proudly feature the Belgian waffle, known for its crispy, deep pockets, in a number of delicious varieties. Like many of our beloved culinary treats, the American love affair with this dish started centuries ago in Europe.
From its humble beginnings as a cake of ground grains cooked on top of hot rocks, the waffle has evolved over time to become the breakfast staple we know and love today. The earliest known written recipe is in an anonymous manuscript called Le Ménagier de Paris. It was a set of instructions written by a Frenchman for his young wife. The author describes his personal waffle recipe and mentions an iron, leading historians to believe waffle irons were invented in the 13th-14th century. The word itself was first printed in English in 1725 and is descended from the Dutch word for “wafer.” The waffle had already changed format multiple times by then and it was later introduced to the Pilgrims by the Dutch while spending time in Holland before setting sail for America. In 1789 Thomas Jefferson returned to America from France, bringing with him a waffle iron and started a trend.
While waffles are mainly known as a breakfast item in America, there are also enjoyed as street food in Europe. What we know as the “Belgian waffle” is actually one of two primary types from this country. It is typically served with syrup and butter, or whipped cream and fruit. The Liege waffle, named after the city, is made with a rich yeast dough that is studded with chunks of pearl sugar that melt and caramelize on the iron while it cooks. These are not as common in America, but are enjoyed from street vendors throughout Belgium.
Searching for Pancake Restaurants Near Me?
How do you find new restaurants? Do you ask friends for recommendations? Or do you prefer to use technology? If your browser history shows the search term pancake restaurants near me, or other similar searches, you’re not alone. According to a survey of 1,000 American adults by RetailMeNot, 13% of the respondents use food and dining apps like Yelp and OpenTable to find new restaurants. However, the majority (58%) still prefers to find new restaurants through friends or word-of-mouth recommendations.
Technology plays a major role in our daily lives. The answers to most of our questions are now at our fingertips. Technology affects not just how we make our dining choices, but in our overall dining experience. Here’s some other interesting findings from the survey.
- Survey respondents ages 25 through 34 were more likely to research new restaurants on their smartphone than any other age group.
- 80% are likely to try a new restaurant if they are offering a deal.
- 25% said they have at least one restaurant specific app on their phone.
- 25% have used their phone to make restaurant reservations.
- 53% have used their phone to find a restaurant location.
- 32% said they have used their phone to take a photo of food while dining.
- 19% have checked in on social media while dining.
We’re confident that whether you’re searching the internet for pancake restaurants near me, or asking your friends where they like to go for breakfast, OPH Denver is going to come up. We’ll see you soon!
Breakfast Restaurants are Serving Up Eggs
How many eggs are consumed in America? Keep reading to find out this and more.
Eggs are a staple item at breakfast restaurants and in our homes as well. It’s really no mystery why. They’re the perfect source of complete protein and can be prepared in endless ways. So just how many eggs do you think are being prepared at breakfast restaurants in the United States? In 2015 an estimated 231 million cases of shell eggs were produced. Of that, a whopping 20.8 million cases went to the foodservice industry. That’s a lot of omelettes!
Here’s some more “eggstraordinary” facts about the egg industry.
- As of January 1, 2017 there were 372 million egg-laying chickens (“layers”) in the country.
- Of those 372 million layers, 314 million of them are for producing shell and table eggs.
- Iowa is the number one egg producing state in the country.
- When analyzing the cost of high-quality protein, eggs are the most affordable choice at 55 grams of protein per dollar spent. Compare this to 90% lean ground beef, which provides 16 grams of protein per dollar spent.
- In 2016 per capita consumption of eggs was estimated at 267.4 per person.
- The Guinness World Record for the largest omelette was set in 2012 by a group of Portuguese chefs. They used a total of 45,000 free range eggs to make it and and it tipped the scales at 9,702 pounds and 8 ounces.
Easy Ideas for a Healthy Breakfast in Denver
Find it challenging to start your day with a healthy breakfast in Denver? Keep reading for some fast and easy ideas.
It can often be a big challenge to eat a healthy breakfast in Denver when you’re constantly rushing to get out the door. But making the effort will really pay off because it’s the most important meal of the day, after all. If you’re watching your budget and your weight you might not want to buy your breakfast at cafes or coffee shops. The money and the calories can definitely add up! Here are some super easy ideas to start your day with a healthy breakfast in Denver.
Avocado Toast. This isn’t a new idea but it certainly has been trendy lately. And for good reason. The healthy fat in avocado spread onto some multi-grain toast makes for a tasty and healthy breakfast. For a good dose of protein top it with eggs cooked to your liking or some lean breakfast meat like turkey sausage or Canadian bacon.
Nut Butter Toast with Fruit. Spread your favorite nut butter onto multi-grain toast and top with sliced bananas or strawberries. Add a sprinkle of hemp or chia seeds for heart-healthy omega fatty acids.
Smoothie. There may not be a faster, easier and more portable healthy breakfast! Add some Greek yogurt for protein and a variety of fruits and veggies for plenty of vitamins and fiber.
Quinoa Salad. Quinoa is rich in protein and makes a deliciously unexpected breakfast. You can make it sweet by adding lots of fruit, fresh mint and a little honey and lime juice for a dressing. Or make it savory with hard boiled eggs, chopped fresh tomatoes, basil and balsamic vinegar. Make several servings in advance and you have breakfast in a hurry for the week.
The Star of Pancake House Menus Has a Long History
They may be the preferred item on pancake house menus, but people have been eating them since long before restaurants.
Pancakes have long been a favorite of the American breakfast table. You’d be hard pressed to find people who did not grow up enjoying the classic combination of pancakes and maple syrup. But what do you know about the history of the humble star of pancake house menus? You may be surprised to learn that pancakes are actually an ancient dish.
It is believed that the earliest pancakes may date as far back as the Stone Age. These ancient versions weren’t made with flour, but more likely from ground up starchy vegetation that was mixed with water and cooked on a hot stone. This practice of making flat cakes from some form of grain or starch continued throughout history. The ancient Greeks made a version from wheat flour, olive oil and curdled milk. They were sweetened with honey and eaten for breakfast. Another Greek version was made with spelt flour and topped with honey, sesame and cheese.
The modern American pancake evolved from the hoe cakes and johnnycakes of Colonial times. These were made from cornmeal or buckwheat. The first recipes were published in the 1796 cookbook American Cookery by Amelia Simmons.
Today pancakes of all varieties are found in America and many other countries all around the world. They are, of course, still the star of all of The Original Pancake House menus, made from our signature sourdough starter. This gives them the light and airy texture they are known for. Come celebrate culinary history with us any day of the week!
The History of the Most Famous Breakfast in Denver
The exact origins of the Denver omelette may be a little scrambled, but the dish has made its way onto menus everywhere.
If you go out for breakfast in Denver, or just about anywhere else in the country, you’re bound to find a Denver omelette on the menu. This simple but tasty combination of eggs, bell peppers, onions, ham and cheddar cheese has long been a morning favorite. But do you know exactly how this dish came to be?
You might be surprised to learn that the Denver omelette started its life as a sandwich. It was essentially the same thing, except served between two slices of toast. Some historians say it was created by Chinese cooks to serve to the workers on the transcontinental railroad. The Denver sandwich is also believed to have been very popular with cowboys on long cattle drives. Both stories make sense as a breakfast sandwich is convenient and portable. However, Denver restaurateurs Albert A. McVittie and M.D. Looney both claimed they invented it separately in 1907. And to further complicate the history of the dish, a plaque located on California Street in downtown Denver states that the omelette was created in order to mask the taste of stale eggs that had been shipped by wagon.
Regardless of who the true innovator of the dish was, by the 1950’s the sandwich was popular all over the country, not just for breakfast in Denver. But by the 1970’s it was all but extinct from menus, having given way to the Denver omelette inexplicably. We’re carrying on the long tradition of the dish at The Original Pancake House. Celebrate history with us next time you join us for breakfast!
Expect These Top Trends at Breakfast Restaurants in 2017
Will we be eating chocolate cake for breakfast in 2017?
Food is subject to trends, just like music, fashion and design. Here’s a quick look at the top trends you can expect to see on menus at breakfast restaurants in 2017.
Big Flavors and Textures. Forget simple and smooth items like eggs and grits. Breakfast in 2017 will be bolder in flavor and texture. Expect to see crunchy items like fried chicken on menus at breakfast restaurants as well as big flavors like chimichurri and spicy chorizo.
Breakfast All Day. This is something that many consumers have been wanting for a long time. Now that you can get breakfast all day under the “golden arches,” you can expect to see more and more places offering it as well. People enjoy breakfast foods at any time, especially if they skip breakfast but still have a hankering for eggs and bacon at 1:00 in the afternoon.
Healthy Options. As more and more people are prioritizing their health, or switching to specialized diets, you can expect breakfast restaurants to respond with expanded options in 2017. This includes choices such as gluten free, grain free, dairy free, vegan, vegetarian, high fiber, organic and more.
Chocolate. Recent studies linking chocolate to increased health benefits means that people may feel more prone to indulge in the sweet treat in the morning. You may see items like chocolate breakfast cakes popping up on menus in 2017.
Eat the Best Breakfast for Weight Loss in 2017
If you’re trying to lose weight, you might want to consider putting yogurt on the breakfast menu.
Did you make a New Year’s resolution to eat right and lose weight in 2017? If so, you’re in good company. According to 2015 research reported by Statistic Brain, 45% of Americans usually do make a New Year's resolution and losing weight comes in number one on the top ten list of the most popular.
If you’re on a mission to drop some pounds, you really want to make sure you eat the best breakfast to help you reach your goal in 2017.
Here are some healthy items you’ll want to be sure to include in your best breakfast to keep you fueled for the day.
Raspberries – Just one cup contains 8 grams a fiber. Recent research in the Journal of Nutrition suggests eating more fiber can help prevent weight gain or encourage weight loss. Researchers found during the two-year study that increasing fiber by 8 grams for every 1,000 calories resulted in about 4 ½ pounds of weight lost. Pro-tip: put those raspberries on top of a bowl of oatmeal for added fiber and slow-release carbohydrates that won’t spike your insulin.
Yogurt – A Harvard report that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine listed yogurt as one of the top five foods that promote weight loss. Research shows that this high protein choice can help you lose weight and gain lean muscle mass. Be sure to choose low fat and low sugar options, such as non-fat plain Greek yogurt. Pump up the flavor with fresh fruit, like raspberries.
Eggs – They’re packed with protein and will help keep you full until your next meal. Besides that, eggs make for the best breakfast because they can be prepared in endless variations so you won’t get bored.