"Someone who eats pancakes and jam can't be so awfully dangerous. You can talk to him."
- Tove Jansson, Finn Family Moomintroll
Dublin
I recently had a quick 24 hours in Dublin, Ireland. Having been there before, I knew a couple of very important things I had to accomplish during my short stay: buy an armload of UK edition books at the incredible Hodges Figgis, opens a new window book shop; stroll through both Phoenix Park, opens a new window and St Stephens Green, opens a new window; and eat as much Irish breakfast as possible. (I accomplished it all, and more.) Breakfast-wise, I had an afternoon breakfast, then a morning breakfast at Third Space, opens a new window, a lovely cafe/community space/free book lending library. Besides the usual Full Irish, opens a new window, there's something about their small, dainty, delicious pancakes that I love. (I also love countries, such as Ireland and Australia, where you can find little ready-to-eat pancakes in packages in the supermarket bread aisle.)
Berlin
On the same trip, I had more time in Berlin than I did in Dublin. But, it was only 'til my very last night there - where giddy and happy after a great dinner - my friends pulled me into a place that served Kaiserschmarrn. The dish consisted of shredded pancakes, covered in roasted slivered nuts, caramelized raisins, and powdered sugar, with a side of vanilla ice cream and warm lingonberry sauce. I always, always love breakfast for dinner, and this heavenly second dinner was the perfect way to say good-bye to this completely cool city. (And don't even get me started on waffles: Wonder Waffel, opens a new window, in the Kreuzberg neighborhood, was another late night breakfast delight.)
Future Pancake Destinations
So where to next? Helsinki, Finland is near the top of my list. I can see myself reading a book outside a log cabin by a lake in the glowing, Scandinavian sunset. Or wandering around wide-eyed at the Moominworld amusement park. Finland is the land of Tove Jansson - whose Moomins are devoted to pancakes - so there must be a delectable selection to choose from.
Oh, and France and South Korea and Japan and... New Zealand? I really, really, really want to go there, and I've heard they have Pancake Rocks, opens a new window....
American Pancakes
Meanwhile, I'll check out these lovely pancake books from the local library, in honor of National Pancake Day, March 7, 2017. Not to be confused with the other great pancake holiday, Shrove Tuesday, which fell on February 28 this year.
(You know you want me as your lifeline for pancake trivia when you go on that TV game show.)
55 Quick & Easy Recipes Pancakes
Are you a pancake fanatic? Where do you eat your pancakes? Please comment below.
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