Crepes! Sweet and Savory, Crepes are Enjoyed Around the World.

When we think of Crepes, we often think of French cafes and light, rolled crepes filled with Nutella, bananas, and sprinkled with powdered sugar.  Did you know that many countries around the world have their own version of a crepe-like pancake?  Though many cultures eat their version of crepes for breakfast, some are more of a savory treat and can be shared at dinner.  Here is a look into the tradition of crepes around the globe.

The banana praline crepes.
Banana Praline Crepe

Italy:

Italians enjoy a version of the French crepe called a crespelle.  Crespelle are usually made using chestnut flower as opposed to wheat flour and are often filled with savory stuffings such as cured meats, veggies, and Italian cheeses - kind of like a crepe pizza!

India:

In southern India the dosa, or large crepe-like delicacy, is made with fermented rice and lentil batter and is often served with spicy sauces.  You will find a masala dosa on many Indian restaurant menus as it is a popular dish involving a dosa stuffed with potatoes and curry.

Malaysia

: In Malaysia they serve a unique waffle weave version of a crepe called a roti jala.  These savory crepes are made with turmeric to give them a bright yellow color and unique flavor.  The roti are often served as a side dish and are used to mop up flavorful sauces from traditional Malaysian dinners.

South Africa:

The pennekoeke is very similar to a French crepe and is enjoyed as a breakfast treat.  In South Africa they fill their pennekoeke with cinnamon custard and a spiced crumble.

Somalia:

In Somalia the anjero, or a crepe-like spongy flatbread is served with most meals.  It is made with yeast flour and has a bit of a sour taste, similar to sourdough bread.  The anjero is used as a utensil to eat flavorful meats, potatoes, and stews.

It is amazing how many variations on the crepe exist world-wide.  If these examples have your mouth watering, we’d be happy to serve you one of our homemade crepes next time you are out for breakfast in Denver.  We have many variations of the traditional French crepe on our menu including Cherry Kijafa, Mandarin, Banana Praline, Seasonal Berry, and Continental Crepes.  We recommend you try them all!


beach

Make Your Breakfast a Tropical Escape

As we dig out from yet another snow storm in Denver, our minds are wandering to warmer climates.  If you can’t fly to your dream beach, why not make your morning meal into a tropical escape? This week we are turning up the thermostat a few degrees and making breakfast with inspiration from the tropics!  If we close our eyes, we can almost hear the waves crashing and the warm breeze whispering through the palms...beach-hut-237489_1280

Here are a few ideas to make your breakfast in Denver a tropical escape:

Tropical Breakfast Parfait

- Dollop 2 tablespoons of vanilla yogurt in the bottom of each of four juice glasses. Top with 4 mandarin orange slices. Sprinkle the oranges with 1 ½ tablespoons of crispy rice cereal, followed by 2 more tablespoons of yogurt. Top with diced pineapple then with another 1 ½ tablespoons cereal.

Tropical Breakfast Bruschetta

– Portion loaf of prepared sweet pound cake into thick slices.  Top with cream cheese spread and diced tropical fruits such as strawberry, mango and pineapple.  Sprinkle with coconut and enjoy!

Banana Pancakes with Coconut and Macadamia Topping

– Prepare your favorite pancake batter. When spooning raw batter onto hot frying pan, add slices of banana to each pancake so that they cook into the batter.  Once pancakes are golden brown, serve warm with shaved coconut and diced macadamia nut toppings, and warm syrup.

Tropical Oatmeal Delight

– Prepare your favorite oatmeal according to package instructions.  Serve warm with almond milk, shaved coconut, golden raisins, mango, and pineapple for a bit of tropical zing.

Next time you visit Original Pancake House, be sure to try one of our tropical breakfast menu items.  Our Mandarin Crepes, Continental Crepes, Coconut Belgian Waffle, Coconut Pancakes and Hawaiian Pancakes will all instantly transport you to someplace warmer!


Obama

Presidential Breakfasts

In honor of President’s Day, we decided to take a look into the morning routine of President Barack Obama as well as a few of the former Presidents of the United States.  What our presidents eat is influenced by family heritage, personal preference, physical condition, and social obligation.  Take a look at the unique gastronomic portraits of a few of our past presidents!l105612-100

Barack Obama

: President Obama starts his day with a very hearty breakfast! A typical morning repast includes four to six eggs, potatoes, and wheat toast. Every now and then, Obama enjoys fruit, bacon, and oatmeal.

George W. Bush:

True to his Texas roots, former President George W. Bush loves huevos rancheros and biscuits!

Bill Clinton:

Clinton is known for his unhealthy eating habits and thus it comes as no surprise that his favorite breakfast treats include cinnamon rolls and Egg McMuffins.

George H.W. Bush:

George H.W. Bush was famous for his vocal dislike of broccoli.  We do not have much record of what he did like, however, except that he frequently requested corn pudding at many a State Dinner!

Ronald Reagan:

The Reagans were very health conscious in their breakfast habits. Typically, former President Reagan started the day with bran cereal, skim milk, fresh fruit, and decaffeinated coffee. Once a week, Reagan enjoyed a single egg scrambled, poached, or soft-boiled. Reagan usually supplemented his morning repast with whole wheat toast or a home-made muffin.

Jimmy Carter:

 Jimmy Carter stuck with his southern roots when it came to morning meals.  He preferred ham with redeye gravy, baked grits, and cornbread for breakfast.

Gerald Ford:

 Gerald Ford had breakfast habits that are Original Pancake House approved!  Ford preferred waffles with strawberries and sour cream, and German apple pancakes!

At the Original Pancake House, we have plenty of breakfast options for both presidential tastes and presidential appetites!  Next time you are out for breakfast in Denver, join us for a Gerald Ford-approved apple pancake or Barack Obama’s favorite eggs, potatoes and toast!


beg

A New Spin on Breakfast

The New Year is under way and we can’t think of a better time to try some new recipes and spice up your traditional breakfast repertoire.  With an eye for adventure, we’ve collected a few ideas to liven up your Denver breakfast table.  Strap on your apron, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for breakfast fun!

 

Bacon Breakfast Cupcakes:

With a drizzle of spicy Sriracha Sauce, these cupcakes will add zing to your morning! beg

 

Ingredients:

1 bag (20 oz.) refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

6 eggs

2 tablespoons milk

¾ cup crumbled crisply cooked bacon

¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese (3 oz)

Sriracha sauce

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place foil liner in each of 12 regular-size muffin cups. Generously spray with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix potatoes, oil, salt and pepper. Divide evenly among cups; press lightly. Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until golden brown. In medium bowl, beat eggs and milk. Stir in bacon and cheese. Firmly press potatoes in muffin cups with bottom of 1/4-cup dry measuring cup. Top each with slightly less than ¼ cup egg mixture. Bake 13 to 16 minutes or until knife inserted in center of egg comes out clean. Cool five minutes. Serve with sauce.

 

French Toast Kabobs

: Everything tastes better on a stick! These kabobs are fun, bite-sized, and perfect for dipping.  Kids love them!

 

Ingredients:

1 cup milk

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

4 cups brioche, French or sandwich bread (cut into 2 inch cubes)

1 tablespoon butter or oil

16 strawberries, stems removed

2 bananas, sliced into ½ inch coins

8 wooden skewers

 

Directions:

Whisk together the milk, eggs, honey and cinnamon. Dip the bread cubes in the milk mixture to coat each side. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the bread for 1 ½ minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Skewer the French toast cubes, strawberries and bananas and serve with maple syrup for dipping.

 

Waffle BLT

: For this recipe you can either make your own waffles, or save time and use frozen waffles!

 

Ingredients:

8 frozen waffles

8-12 slices bacon

2 medium tomatoes

4-6 lettuce leaves

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup fresh dill, chopped fine

 

Directions:

Prepare herb spread by combining mayo and dill. Cover and refrigerate. Meanwhile, prepare bacon in a frying pan or 400-degree oven to desired crispness. When bacon is finished, place cooked slices on paper towels and dab to absorb some of the grease. Next, either prepare your own waffles or toast freezer waffles. Prepare sandwiches by spreading 2 tablespoons of herb spread on each waffle. Top with bacon slices, tomato slices, and lettuce leaves. Top with another waffle. Serve immediately.

 

Make-Ahead Blueberry Lemon French Toast

: This sweet breakfast treat is a delicious new take on French toast.  And the best part, you can prepare it the night before.

 

Ingredients:

1 (12-count) package sweet dinner rolls, cubed

1 cup blueberries

1½ cup milk

3 large eggs

2 tablespoons maple syrup, or more, to taste

Zest of 1 lemon

1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

 

For the crumb topping:

¼ cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup brown sugar, packed

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes

2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

 

Directions:

Lightly coat a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Place a layer of bread cubes evenly into the baking dish. Top with blueberries in an even layer, repeating 2 more times and ending with a layer of bread.

In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, maple syrup, lemon zest, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. After the dish has absorbed liquid for at least two hours, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To make the crumb topping, combine flour, sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add cold butter and toss to coat, using your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the bread cubes. Place into oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until golden brown.

 

We hope you try and enjoy some of these new ideas for morning treats.  Next time you visit us at Original Pancake House, be sure to let us know how these breakfast recipes turned out. To all our friends in Denver, we wish you a New Year filled with delicious breakfasts and adventure!

 


Holiday Blog

Celebrate the Season with Special Holiday Breakfast Treats

Holiday Blog Post Title

 

 

‘Tis the season for family, celebrations, and of course many delicious, traditional holiday meals.  Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, or Festivus, you are likely planning to join friends and loved ones for at least a couple holiday feasts.  At Original Pancake House, we like to make the season bright with special morning treats.  Here are a few holiday breakfast recipes that we like to cook for family and friends.

 

Christmas “Make-Ahead” Egg Casserole:

This breakfast dish is wonderful because you can prepare everything the night before and simply pop it in the oven on Christmas morning!

 

Ingredients:

12 large eggs

1/2 loaf day old bread (sourdough is best)

1 package Polidori Italian sausage

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Directions: At least 2 hours and up to 12 hours before cooking, assemble ingredients.  Grease large casserole dish. Beat all 12 eggs until fluffy, set aside.  Tear day-old bread into bite-sized cubes, set aside.  Cook ground sausage, breaking up meat into small pieces as it cooks, set aside and let cool.  Pour eggs and bread cubes into casserole dish, ensuring bread becomes submerged and soaked in eggs.  Add cooled sausage and mix well.  Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover casserole dish and refrigerate overnight.  On Christmas morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Uncover casserole and place in oven, cook for 30 minutes or until eggs are set.  Sprinkle cheddar cheese over top of casserole and return to oven for additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.  Serve warm with a side of salsa or hot sauce.

 

Overnight Egg-nog French Toast

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter (melt the butter while the dish is baking), melted

7 large eggs

2 cups eggnog

1 1/2 ounces rum (optional)

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Salt

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1 loaf French bread, cut into 1 inch slices

Powdered sugar

 

Directions:

Beat together eggs, eggnog, rum, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and vanilla. Dip both sides of each slice of bread in this mixture and place them side by side in a greased casserole dish. Pour any remaining mixture over the slices. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake in 450 degree oven on bottom rack for 20-25 minutes (watch the bottom doesn't get too brown). Place on rack to cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar. Serve with Canadian maple syrup and the melted butter.

 

Gingerbread Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground dried ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup molasses

1 1/2 cups water

 

Directions:

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside. Beat the egg in a separate mixing bowl with the vanilla and molasses until smooth. Whisk in the water until completely incorporated. Stir the flour mixture into the molasses mixture until just combined -- a few lumps are okay. Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium-high heat. Drop batter by large spoonfuls onto the griddle, and cook until bubbles form and the edges are dry. Flip, and cook until browned on the other side. Repeat with remaining batter.

 

Don’t forget to treat yourself this holiday season as well. Join us for the best breakfast in Denver and be sure to try our scrumptious holiday specials, which include Egg Nog French Toast, Ho! Ho! Ho! Pancakes, Holiday Link Sausage and Eggs, and the Holiday Plate.

 

From all your friends at Original Pancake House, we wish you and your family a very happy holiday season.


Family

End of Summer Family Bucket List

Happy Family Vacation

With the start of a new school year fast approaching, consider heading out for a family fun day before the end of vacation.  To make the day special, start with a hearty breakfast in Denver at Original Pancake House. With menu favorites such as Chocolate Chip Pancakes or OPH Smiley Cakes for the kids, and a plethora of egg dishes and more for the parents, everyone will leave full, happy, and ready to enjoy a day of adventure.  Read on to learn about a few of our favorite local spots to spend the day with the family.

 

Dinosaur Ridge

A part of the Morrison Fossil Area National Park, Dinosaur Ridge is a great place for families to see actual dinosaur footprints sealed by time. Dinosaur Ridge is famous for its Exhibit Hall and summer camps where young people can learn more about paleontology.

 

Cherry Creek State Park

A perfect spot for nature lovers, Cherry Creek State Park offers families a relaxing spot to spend the day. Enjoy hiking, biking, or horseback riding on the many trails throughout the park.  If it is a hot day, rent a canoe or kayak from the marina and picnic on the sandy beaches surrounding the reservoir.  Cherry Creek Park even offers an “airstrip” for flying model airplanes and a family shooting range.

 

Elitch Gardens

Summer vacation isn’t complete until you spend a day at Elitch Gardens.  Ride the slides to cool off in the water park and then test your adventurous spirit on the roller coasters and thrill rides.  There are attractions, rides, concerts and entertainment for kids ages 4 -100 which means the whole family will enjoy the day.

 

Tiny Town

Open to the public since 1920, Tiny Town, is a miniature collection of houses, buildings, and railroads to entertain kids of all ages. With more than 90 buildings on display, visitors enjoy stepping back in time with a ride on the railroad and marveling at all of the creations. Located close to Morrison, you get the added bonus of enjoying mountain surroundings on this trip!

 

The Children’s Museum

If you have younger children, Denver’s Children’s Museum is the place to go to “learn through play.”  With interactive exhibits, educational programs, and play areas, the kids will enjoy explorative play with everything from rockets, to bubbles, nature, and painting.

 

We hope you enjoy these last few weeks of summer, Denver!


Fiesta Bowl

Cool Breakfast Treats to Beat the Summer Heat!

Fiesta BowlEvery year in Denver we have a few weeks that are just plain hot.  When the thermometer has already reached 80 degrees before breakfast, sometimes you need a cool treat to start your day off on the right note.  Here are a few ideas for a refreshing morning meal!

Frozen Nutty Banana:

Cut one firm (but ripe) banana in half and un-peal. Arrange on a small baking sheet or freezer-safe plate, and spread each half evenly with 1 tablespoon of nut butter. Next add toppings such as granola, chia seeds, or flax seeds and cinnamon. Insert a popsicle stick or skewer into the cut end of each half, and freeze until solid (at least 2-3 hours).

 

Breakfast Parfait:

Grab a large glass or ice cream bowl andadd a scoop of your favorite yogurt, fruit and granola.  Continue adding layers until the glass or bowl is full.  Enjoy!

 

Breakfast Smoothie:

Blend one cup of milk, almond milk, or soy milk with ice and one cup of frozen or fresh fruit.  Berries and bananas work best!  For a thicker shake and extra calcium, add a little yogurt to your blender.  For an alternative to the classic fruit smoothie, replace the fruit and yogurt with a banana and 2 tablespoons of peanut or almond butter and blend until smooth.

 

Nutty Apple:

Select a large apple and slice in half.  Remove the core, plus a little additional apple flesh to create a large hole in the center of each half.  Fill each hole with peanut or sunflower butter and granola and reassemble apple.  Wrap the apple in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and enjoy on the run!

 

If you are dining out for breakfast in Denver, visit the Original Pancake House! We have several cool treats on our menu including the Fiesta Bowl, a healthy breakfast of non-fat yogurt and our Homemade Granola topped with fresh fruit. Or try our Homemade Granola, a healthy, delectable dish made from thick oats, pecans, raisins, and coconut seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg, and served with skim milk.    Enjoy the summer!


World Cup Soccer

A World Cup breakfast – what do professional soccer players eat?

World Cup SoccerThe World Cup captured our attention this summer as we watched teams from all corners of the globe compete in the quest for futbol glory. As World Cup players are endurance athletes – the average player runs six to eight miles per match – they require up to 4,000 calories per day to keep their bodies strong and performing at max ability. In order to keep players healthy and full, many teams travel with their own set of nutritionists and chefs to monitor each player’s intake of calories, vitamins and minerals. In addition, the team nutritionist must prepare food that the players will eat and enjoy and as a result, many teams brought their own food supplies to ensure a “taste of home.” For example, the Italian team brought pasta, parmesan cheese, and wine to Brazil, while the Mexican team traveled with pozole, and the U.S. team brought peanut butter, jelly, Cheerios, and A1 Steak Sauce.

So what do the soccer players eat for breakfast? According to the U.S. Team Chef Bryson Billapando, breakfast chicken enchiladas were the most popular morning meal offering for the U.S. team. Instead of breakfast pancakes, he creates enchiladas filled with slow-roasted tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and garlic, shredded chicken, eggs, and homemade enchilada sauce. As the players require a carb-heavy diet, mixed with high quality proteins and healthy fats (no butter!), they also often enjoy rice and beans, or even pasta with their morning meals to fuel up for the day.

To ensure players are getting their required intake of vitamins and minerals, Chef Billapando requires each individual to fill his plate with at least two varieties of vegetables and multiple servings of fruit. According to team staff, the U.S. players eat an entire case, or 25 lbs., of avocados each day!

The next time you are enjoying a pancake breakfast in Denver (smothered in butter and syrup!); think of the World Cup players and their morning plate of rice and beans. We’re glad we get to enjoy pancakes and waffles!


Tradition is delicious

Mile High Anniversary Scavenger Hunt Answers!

Thank you to all who participate in the Mile High Anniversary Scavenger Hunt!  Folks who answer each daily trivia question with the correct response will be entered to win one of three (3) $50 OPH gift cards, or one (1) Grand Prize to include a $50 OPH gift card plus OPH swag!

And the answers are:

Day 1:

Day 1 Trivia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: The first Original Pancake House restaurant opened its doors in Portland, Oregon in 1953!

 

Day 2:

Day 2 Trivia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: When she was just 11-years-old Sara started working at the Original Pancake House as a coffee girl.

 

Day 3:

day3 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: Owner Sara Hueneke Ernst’s collection of beautiful, hand-painted plates. The collection started with family heirlooms Sara received from her grandparents.

 

Day 4:

day4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: Sara Hueneke Ernst is the great niece of franchise co-founder Erma Hueneke.

 

Day 5:

day5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: Pancake Man revealed!

Pancake Guy Revealed in Facebook Banner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 6:

Day 6 Trivia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: Many of the breakfast menu items at the Original Pancake House Denver feature berries including the popular Seasonal Berry Crepes, Strawberry Belgian Waffles, Blueberry Belgian Waffles, Seasonal Berry French Toast, and our Blueberry Pancakes.

 

Day 7:

Day 7 Trivia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: There are 21 delectable pancake items available at the Original Pancake House Denver, this number does not include seasonal pancake specialties. 

 

The Mile High Anniversary Scavenger Hunt will run for one week from Wednesday, June 18 to Tuesday, June 24, during which time players can participate in daily scavenger hunt challenges. The winners of the prize give-away will be announced on the blog on Friday, June 27.


Celebrate Berry Season

Celebrate Berry Season!

Celebrate Berry Season!At the Original Pancake House, we love many things about the summer season.  One of the things we look forward to most is fresh berry season which begins in late May and early June throughout the country.  Many of our breakfast menu items feature berries including our popular Seasonal Berry Crepes, Strawberry Belgian Waffles, Blueberry Belgian Waffles, Seasonal Berry French Toast, and our Blueberry Pancakes. Next time you are heading out for breakfast in Denver, be sure to try one of these berry delicious breakfast dishes!

 

Did you know you can celebrate berry season in Colorado by picking your own fresh fruits?  There is nothing quite as delicious as a strawberry or raspberry warmed by the sun and picked straight from the vine.  Here are a few places to visit this berry season:

 

Berry Patch Farms

: Berry Patch Farms is an organic farm and orchard featuring Pick-Your-Own strawberries, cherries and plums.  Located in Brighton, Colo., this local farm’s picking season begins in June.  Be sure to call in advance for hours of operation and seasonal fruit availability.

 

Hoot ‘N Howl Farm:

Located near Gunbarrel, just outside of Boulder, Colo., Hoot ‘N Howl Farm grows a plethora of fruits and veggies throughout the summer growing season.  Their berry selection includes a variety of raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and elderberries.  Check their website for fruit availability and U-Pick harvest schedules.

 

Strawberry Days Festival:

For a full weekend of strawberry fun, plan a visit to Glenwood Springs, Colo. for the 117th annual Strawberry Days Festival.  Held June 20-22, Strawberry Days features arts and crafts, family fun activities, an old fashioned carnival, and parade.  Free strawberries and ice cream are served to all on Saturday afternoon, a festival tradition for over 100 years!

 

Happy berry season and happy picking, Denver!

 


Happy Memorial Day

Meaningful Ways to Celebrate this Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day
Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day marks the non-official beginning of summer.  This favorite American holiday is often filled with BBQ’s, time spent with family and friends, and perhaps the first family trip to the pool.  At Original Pancake House, we love to celebrate this holiday by taking our families out to a leisurely breakfast in Denver!

In addition to relaxing with family and friends, Memorial Day is meant to be a day of remembrance and a time to celebrate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.  Read on to learn other popular ways to celebrate this Memorial Day.

Displaying the flag:

Flying the American flag on Memorial Day is a great way to show thanks to those who have served our country.   According to tradition, the flag should remain at half-mast until noon to honor the men and women who have fallen in combat. Remember it is customary to put your flag up at dawn and take it down by dusk.

Attend the Memorial Day Parade:

Denver will host a Memorial Day parade on Saturday, May 24 at Civic Center Park.  The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. and will be followed by a Veterans Memorial Day tribute at the Veterans Monument.

Learn Your Family History:

Memorial Day is a great time to pull out the family photo album and share your own family history with your children. Many of our grandparents and great-grandparents served our country and sharing their story with the next generation is a great way to honor and remember their sacrifices.

Display Memorial Day Poppies

: Red poppies are a symbol of Memorial Day inspired by John McCrea’s 1915 war poem In Flanders Fields.  Since the First World War, red poppies have become a way to “keep faith with all who died,” and are a memorial tradition in the United States, England, France, and more than 50 other countries.

On behalf of the Original Pancake House family, we would like to thank all of the men and women who have served our country.  Happy Memorial Day, Denver!


Eggstravaganza

Spring Eggstravaganza Recap

2014 Eggstravaganza FB cover_Final

As April comes to an end, we also close the curtains on our month-long Spring Eggstravaganza.  We’ve had so much fun celebrating eggs with you this past month.  One feature of our Eggstravaganza was a weekly Egg-off contest between several of the Original Pancake House favorites.  Our customers voted on their favorite egg breakfast dishes via Facebook and the results are in:

Week 1:  Fried Eggs claimed victory over Scrambled in our first weekly Egg-off.

Week 2: Denver Omelet took top prize in a heated contest with the ever-popular Joe.

Week 3: After a tight race, Green Chile Eggs Benedict inched ahead of Classic Eggs Benedict to take the win by a nose.

Week 4: In a close contest, Ham & Cheese Omelet earned the win over the Florentine Omelet.

All were close-fought “battles” and for good reason; we have a hard time choosing our favorite egg dishes as well!  As a closeout to the Eggstravaganza, we’d also like to share a few additional Eggstra Fun Facts about Eggs.

Did you know…

  • Each of the roughly 280 million laying birds in the U.S. produces from 250 to 300 eggs a year. In total, the U.S. produces about 75 billion eggs a year, about 10% of the world supply.
  • Normally, hens with white ear lobes lay white eggs, and hens with red ear lobes lay brown eggs. There is no nutritional difference between white and brown eggs.
  • A mother hen turns her eggs about 50 times per day.
  • The most expensive egg ever sold was the Faberge “Winter Egg” sold in 1994 for $5.6 million.
  • Egg size and grade are not related to one another. Size is determined by weight per dozen. Younger hens tend to lay smaller eggs. The size increases as the hen grows older and bigger. Grade refers to the quality of the shell, white and yolk and the size of the air cell.
  • There are 7 to 17 thousand tiny pores on the shell surface, a greater number at the large end. As the egg ages, these tiny holes permit moisture and carbon dioxide to move out and air to move in to form the air cell. The egg can also absorb refrigerator odors through the pores, so always refrigerate eggs in their cartons.

Thank you to all our customers and fans who helped us celebrate our Spring Eggstravanza this past month.  Whether you joined us for breakfast in Denver and tried one of the 24 fantastic egg dishes on our menu, or you voted in our weekly Facebook Egg-offs, we hope you enjoyed celebrating the incredible egg as much as we did!

Have an eggscellent spring, Denver!