Waffles Made by The Book

O.K. So it has been a minute since I checked in. Along with hunting down a decent turkey burger or waffle in Miami, I still have to make a living so I can pay for them once I find them.

This leads me to the nature of this entry. I am proud to announce that I have finally found a spot where I can get a real waffle just the way I like it. Two real eggs soft scrambled with cheese… makes my mouth drip just thinking about it.

I had to travel all the way to Coconut Grove. The funny part is I found it at the most unsuspecting place in the Grove. No it wasn’t at The Ritz Carlton where they boast about their fancy $45 brunch. I said to myself for $45 they have to know how to make a great waffle.

WRONG!

I tell you they put everything in the waffle except the waffle. I must say, although the waffle sucked the service and the atmosphere was on the money.

No it wasn’t at any of the so-called 5 star restaurants in Coconut Grove (Remind me to tell you about these restaurants later).

The best waffle I had in Miami so far came from a bookstore. That’s right, you heard me… a bookstore. Every Sunday, The Bookstore In The Grove fires up the waffle maker and serves up the goods.

So far so good, I found a spot to enjoy my waffles. Only one problem it’s only once a week. Oh well at least it’s a start.

No Joy In Turkey-ville.

So, now I got my spot! I was ready to take on Miami. I had a wonderful place to have my two favorite meals, turkey burgers and waffles. 

The next day I counted down the hours until my return to Lounge 46. 6:00pm could not come around fast enough. I didn’t want to seem greedy, so I played it cool and waited until 6:30 before I showed up to the front door. I couldn’t wait to get my turkey burger with cheese.

WRONG!

Lounge 46 was closed. I thought it was just because I was too early, so I doubled back around 9:00pm... Still closed. I went back the next day... still drawing a blank. I went back to Lounge 46 over 8 times during the course of a week each time to find the red light on but no one at home. Finally I threw in the towel and chalked it up as a once in a life time groove.

I was like a junkie looking for my next fix and the dope man was nowhere to be found. I started in with the phone calls, leaving messages day after day. I was one step away from becoming an all out stalker. I had it bad. 

Then it happened. I got the call that I dreaded. The owner of Lounge 46 called to tell me that they were officially closed. What a dark day.   

I sometimes pass by what use to be Lounge 46 with hopes that the doors will be open and my waffles and turkey burgers will be waiting for me. With defeated shoulders and an empty stomach, I press on.

Lounging With My Waffles

I started to wonder if it would be easier to get my name into Elizabeth Edward’s will than  it would be for me to get a decent waffle or turkey burger in South Florida. Then it happened. Traveling down NE 2nd Avenue and 46 Street I saw it, tucked away in the corner of the block. Its red light calling me. "Lounge 46," my new home away from home.

I walked into this restaurant and immediately fell in love with its 1980’s retro village lounge vibe. After being taken on a quick tour of the place by the owner and discussing the menu I heard the words my heart, and stomach was longing to hear. “We have waffles and turkey burgers.” 

Quickly, I bellied up to the bar. I ordered the chicken and waffles. In no time, 4 golden chicken wings and a beautiful belgium waffle sat before me waiting to be plucked. I cut into the waffle and to my surprise, this waffle was made of cornbread. My taste-buds did cartwheels in my mouth. 

While I was killing myself with delight, I look across the bar to see a mountain of french fries piled on a plate next to one of the juiciest burgers I’ve seen since New York. ‘I can’t wait to dig into one of those,’ I thought to myself. 

I finished off my meal while I watched the basketball game on the TV and listened to an array of classic soul music to match the eclectic display of images that adorned the walls. There was even a moment of healthy barbershop like conversation that ranged from sports, to women, to music. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Hurrah!

I left "Lounge 46" with a new look on life. All was right in the world. I couldn’t wait to return and order my (as I wipe the drool from the corners of my mouth), turkey burger with cheese.  To be continued....