I subscribe to a few e-mail newsletters that highlight things to do, places to see, events and such in and around New Jersey. They’re great sources to discover new restaurants or find something to do with your family on an unexpected free weekend. A recent newsletter highlighted Bonte, a new restaurant that opened up in Morristown recently. Known primarily for their waffles and crepes, given that we’ve been partial to waffles and crepes lately, it seemed the perfect new spot for us to check out.
As I learned on our visit, Bonte is actually a franchise restaurant. The owners of the Morristown location only own that one (so far), but there is another location in South Orange, among a few in Philadelphia and other spots. The waffles are made fresh to order, replicating the sugar waffles that are popular in Brussels. To continue their authenticity, they even import many ingredients weekly from overseas. Since we have never been to Bonte before, we stared at the menuboard blankly for a few minutes, trying to figure out what to order. Luckily there was no line behind us, and the woman taking orders was able to make a few suggestions.
Because it was lunchtime, I ordered their Poulot Gruyere sandwich to split with the kids for lunch, and because this place was known for their waffles, I ordered one plain waffle and one with ice cream and fudge topping for dessert. If we’re going to go for it, we might as well go for it, right? When ordering the waffles, there are lots of mix-ins that you can get to personalize your waffle. They mix your chosen item right in with the batter, for little bits of surprises with every bite.
Our verdict? Skip the sandwiches. There is hardly any seasoning and when I tell you there were nothing special, I mean they were nothing special. But, do go and treat yourself to the waffles. Sticky, sweet, but not overly so, it’s the perfect spot to stop when you want a snack that’s a little different. You’ll forget those frozen varieties ever existed. We polished off our ice cream-topped waffle (studded with bits of strawberries) in no time flat.
Bon Appetit!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Too bad the sandwich wasn’t very good…sounds good! The waffle is so yummy looking. I bet it would be the perfect mid-day snack…fun to share with someone. :-)
Claires last blog post..A Perfect Match!
Mmm…do they deliver to hoboken? :) STILL haven’t been to that new bakery yet. I must change that!!
mariss last blog post..Winging it with Puff Pastry: Brown Sugar Pinwheels
poohpooh to frozen waffles, I say. Gaufres de Liege are the only way! ;-)
I don’t know if Bonte has waffles of Liege but they are to die for. The metal plates are painted with a sugar syrup before the batter is put on to cook and the sugar carmelizes on the outside. Waffles of Brussels are more cakey and have powdered sugar on top. Which kind do you think you might have had?
Nerissas last blog post..Gateau de Harem
and to think what I was missing out by buying frozen waffles all the time. wish I had that store next to where I live!
Sophias last blog post..The Yin and Yang of it all
My nieces still dream about the sugar waffles they had in Brussels. I hope one of these places opens in my area. I am dying to try these thick, sugary, crispy concoctions.
Carolyn Jungs last blog post..Mighty Fine Monday Meatballs
Wish I lived closer. I would totally make this place my snack spot!
Elyses last blog post..Ninja cookies…
they actually mix what you chose into the batter? That’s going the extra mile to satisfy customers! I love that!
Mrs Ergüls last blog post..Uncle Austin’s Granola
That dessert looks DEE-LISH! The outside of the place is so cute, too…but I had to laugh. I’ve never heard the word “wafflerie.”
Yum…now I need something to satisfy my sweet tooth.
I have recentlyvisited the one in South Orange while seeing a friend who’s somewhat of a regular there. I thought the chicken panini on the rosemary focaccia bread was out of this world! Did you have the same thing?
Of course we ended with the waffles mixed with chocolate chips and fruit…….WOW. WOW WOWEEE! Coffee was the best I ever had too!
I will make the place in Morristown my regular spot, and use South Orange t hold me over while there. I suggest you all do the same………
here is a cafe’s website http://www.cafebonte.com