Off the Waffle, Eugene

When brothers Omer and Dave Orian moved to America after spending some of their childhood in Belgium, they started to dream about opening a shop that served the Liège-style waffles. Today the curly-haired duo—dubbed “Eugene’s Waffle Imperialists” by the Eugene Daily News—prepares their yeasted waffles across two Eugene locations, and at a spot in Portland.

To make Liège waffles, the brothers fold Belgium-imported pearl sugar into a brioche-like yeasted dough, caramelizing the batter in a cast-iron waffle maker before it’s crowned with sweet and savory toppings, like the goat cheese, avocado, and eggs of the shop’s Goat in Headlights waffle. The menu also includes sweet waffles, such as The Ol’ Banana Split. For the adventurous eater, try an “In-between” waffle like The Sweet Funk Machine, with pear, gorgonzola, cinnamon, and wildflower honey. Omelets, salads, and organic coffee round out the menu.