Eaten: Large PanCAKES @ The Griddle Cafe (Los Angeles, CA)

Black Magic: Crushed oreo filled pancakes topped with whipped cream, powdered sugar and even more crushed Oreos.

During our 2011 American road trip, the boyfriend and I ate at a lot of different breakfast spots.  Some were fairly well known and were featured on Food Network shows; others were local hot spots that we stumbled on by chance.  Most of them were busy, even on weekdays.  We had gotten used to lining up or writing our names down and I had gotten used to bringing a bottle of water and reapplying sun block.  The Griddle Cafe was no different.

We joined the line on Sunset Boulevard but didn't have to wait long (only had to reapply sun block once) to get a table at this busy Hollywood diner.  Inside it was cozy; our table was so close to our neighbor we started a conversation over what we should order.  Coffee arrived in a large french press (bonus marks) and pancakes were ordered after carefully reading the description of each menu item.  Shortly after ordering the pancakes arrived, overflowing off the plate and the plate overflowing off the table.  Topped with whipped cream and whatever flavour combination of your chosing you will be stuffed before you're a third done but wish you weren't.  These were the best pancakes I've had served in a crowded, conversation and music filled diner that made this girl from Ottawa feel very Hollywood.

Red velvet pancakes. Looks red but tastes like chocolate.

The Griddle Cafe's signature pancake is a Red Velvet Pancake served with cream cheese icing.  It's become so popular that they've created a dry mix and is available for purchase from the Cafe or Amazon.  Feeling the need for panCAKES I indulged in the homemade version.

Red Velvet Pancakes
(Serves 2; double recipe for Griddle Cafe portion sizes)
Original recipe from The Kitchy Kitchen

For Pancakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup creme fraiche (or sour cream)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Marscarpone Icing:

• 1/2 cup softened mascarpone
•  1/4 cup creme fraiche
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions:

1. In large bowl whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, cocoa powder).
2. In separate bowl whisk together wet ingredients (egg, buttermilk, creme fraiche, butter, food colouring, vanilla extract).
3. Add wet to dry, lightly combine.
4. For marscarpone icing: combine all ingredients and mix.
5. Make pancakes. 
6. Fight with significant other over who gets which pancake ("That one isn't perfect!") and icing.