March 25 is International Waffle Day, not to be confused with National Waffle Day, which is August 24. Once you get over the fact that we celebrate these ridiculous days not only as a nation but as an entire world, then you can start appreciating the small details that help tell the story.
We’re talking about Waffle Day at Two Buttons Deep because the waffle iron was invented right here in Troy. Throwing it back to 1869, a man named Cornelius Swartwout patented the design for a waffle iron that could be used in the home kitchen.
To use, you had to remove one of the stove lids and replace it with the waffle iron ring. Then, the waffle iron would heat up on the coal stove as you poured the batter on the griddle, closed the cover and after a few minutes, flip the griddle and cook the other side of the waffle. Easy! Not extremely far off from the process we’re used to seeing today out of the corner of your eye at a diner or in a Hampton Inn free breakfast display.
Now it’s true that the history of waffles dates back to the 14th century in Sweden, but Mr. Swarwout brought the trend to the United States, technically crediting him with the celebration of National Waffle Day on August 24. We just couldn’t help ourselves by waiting to reveal this exciting local fun fact until summertime.
Who would’ve known that Troy, NY was the perfect place to invent this technology and make it scaleable for stovetops all across the country? But now that you do know, it’s probably in your best interest to spend the day eating some waffles in Mr. Swartwout’s hometown.
The Flying Chicken, 122 4th Street
Chicken and Waffles, $9.75
Spill’n the Beans, 13 3rd Street
Belgian Waffle, $5.99 (fresh fruit and whipped cream, add $1.50)
Illium Cafe, 9 Broadway
Cannoli Cream Stuffed Waffle, $10.95
Alexis Diner, 294 North Greenbush Road
Homemade Belgian Waffle, $5.89 (With ham, bacon or sausage – 8.39 / With Canadian bacon – 8.79 / With strawberries, cherries or blueberries – 7.89)
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