Patrick
In Colombia it is hard to find any high-quality chain restaurant. And really, that’s fine with me. I prefer to support the smaller owner-operated establishments. But there is one that is too good to ignore – Crepes & Waffles. What started as a small crepería in Bogotá in 1980, with 2 students still in university, has grown to become massive chain with operations in more than 8 countries. Bogotá alone, currently has an impressive 85 restaurants. Cali has 13 locations and they are not hard to spot.
The menu has options for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Eggs, salads, soups, juices, crepes, panne cook (bread bowls), pitas, waffles and desserts. I must have eaten there at least 20 times and have yet to leave disappointed. My personal favorites include the crepes “Lomo Árabe”, “Serrano”, “Pollo Thai”, “Pollo Pekín” and “Pollo Trufa Mexicana”. After trying the “Tartufino de Fresa” for dessert I’ve never allowed myself anything else, although every dessert on the menu look amazing. The “Limonada de Coco” is my beverage of choice.
Most of their restaurants are beautiful in their design with a large open dining area, big windows, massive wooden beams, high ceilings, outdoors terraces and open kitchens.
You will probably notice that there is not a single male employee in their restaurants – at least not in the visible part of the operation. They have a reputation for only hiring single mothers, which may explain the excellent service. I’m sure single mothers have a motivation for earning tips.
Most of their restaurants open for breakfast and stay open until late. They get packed and to my best tip is to avoid lunch hour around from around 1pm-2pm.. at least if you’re an impatient soul like myself.
