Something Smells Waffle Good At Soundview In Old Lyme

Evan Rowe freely admits, "I'm obsessed with waffles."

The 28-year-old is the proud owner of the Waffle Bar, the newest business to open for the season at 65 Hartford Avenue in Old Lyme. It didn't take long for locals to discover it, either.

"The smell is intoxicating," says Old Lyme Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal.

Indeed, Rowe says he's had a steady stream of customers who have been led, literally by the nose, as they walked their dogs in the morning. "People smell it a block away," he says. 

Rowe first acquired a taste for waffles while traveling in Europe with his family, which hails from Italy. As a result, his waffles are of the Belgium variety, made with a brioche-style dough and cooked to perfection on a heavier cast iron waffle iron Rowe imported from Europe. 

Rowe makes everything from scratch, including the chocolate sauce which he melts in double boiler. He offers a variety of toppings, including salted caramel, Nutella, Greek yogurt and "speculoos," (which is like a liquid cookie dough). People can choose their own toppings, which include fresh fruit. He also sells fruit smoothies, which is a logical extension given the fruit and yogurt that he has on hand. 

Rowe is open to suggestions too. "If you want a topping you don't see," he says, "just ask." 

This is Rowe's first brick-and-mortar building but he's been in the waffle business for a while now. He runs a "white glove" waffle bar catering service from his home in Glastonbury, setting up self-service waffle bars for weddings, parties, and corporate events.

His plan is to spend the summer season in Old Lyme and now he's working on setting up shop at Powder Ridge ski area in Middlefield for the winter season beginning this Thanksgiving.