In a nutshell? Go here. Say hello. Savour waffles. Enjoy coffee. Repeat.
I first discovered Wannawafel in June 2009, when it was "Waffles to go", a mobile cart sending the distinct sweet smell of waffles wafting through Victoria's Inner Harbour. As anyone that has known me longer than half an hour can attest to, I can find, cook, smell, or otherwise detect waffles from great distances. Even before there was an app for that.
Created by a husband and wife team, I was greeted warmly and with genuine interest, in both my appearance as a potential customer and as a human. As I stood staring blankly in awe at the simple menu, simultaneous thoughts of "Why haven't I done this?!", and "How many waffles can I order without causing alarming looks?" ran quickly through my mind.
I chose a Liege, a heavier dessert style waffle, served simply, fresh, and hot, plain in a napkin. No nonsense, just waffle. I ran to catch up to my friends, exclaiming about my new found waffle cart, and how it was most certainly set to change my life. I really love waffles this much. Waffles, cupcakes, coffee, ice cream. Repeat.
Skip ahead to May 2010 and the word on the street is this cart has become Wannawafel, with a shop on Johnson Street. Off I went. This time I had a Brussels with whip cream, which was perfectly prepared. Fluffy and light, with its outer crispy texture and soft moist interior were exactly what I love in a waffle. The whip cream is heavy with great texture, and just the right amount of sweet. I have a sweet tooth, but don't like things overly sweetened, and try to avoid processed sugar as best I can. These waffles cater perfectly.
On my 30th birthday in September, I intended to start my day here, and was dismayed to arrive shortly after 8am only to discover they open at 10am. I headed to Discovery Coffee to ease my troubles, and decided the ferry was worth missing, even for just one waffle. Back shortly after 10am, Mrs. Wannawafel (I apologize for not knowing her name) asked me how I was, so I of course told her it was my birthday and I was there to start it right, with a waffle. We got to chatting about living in Victoria, I told I was there to consider it, and she told me her story of emigrating to Canada, and how they came to start their waffle business. I love a good story, and was so happy to share this quiet birthday morning with her before heading to Vancouver.
They serve Level Ground Direct Fair Trade organic coffee, who are an amazing company. I used to work for them on the mainland, if you don't know them, they're worth discovering. They offer vanilla ice cream, and the berry compote topping changes seasonally. It does not appear to come from a five gallon Sysco pail, thank you Wannawafel, for that. They've mastered simplicity, and with their recent Dragon's Den appearance seem to have been picking up speed. I wish them much success. I also day dream of being a part of their Sales & Marketing program, but that's another story. I mean really, selling and marketing waffles? Yes please. Perhaps a franchise is in my future. read more