Florida Restaurant Tops Tally for Tasty Pancakes

Pancakes can make for a fantastic breakfast, lunch or dinner, if you ask me. Why save all the fun for just the morning hours? Now, one Florida restaurant has been named one of the best in America for tasty pancakes, by dining experts. It's always great to see a local establishment honored this way on a national scale.

The food experts at Gothammag.com have put together a roster of tasty pancakes in America. Pancakes are one of my favorite dishes, especially because I'm a vegetarian. I do eat eggs and dairy, so traditional cakes work for me. My personal favorite pancakes are chocolate-chip with a thinner syrup. In my opinion, when syrup is thin, it soaks into the pancakes better and makes the overall experience more sweet. Not to mention that chocolate-chip pancakes taste like big chocolate-chip cookies, especially when they're hot off the grill. Of course, when it comes to variety, I really think blueberry pancakes are the most universally adored. They're simply the classic flavor. Regardless of what kind of tasty pancakes you love, this tally looks at the tastiest in America, as judged by their editors. With only 20 top picks, not every state got acknowledgement, so we're lucky to have made the cut.

So, which Florida restaurant has been honored as one of the best for pancakes in America? It's Benny's on the Beach, located at 10 S. Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth Beach. They rave about this spot and say you have to try Benny's on the Beach's one-of-a-kind key lime pancakes. "Tangy citrus flavors burst through the mouth at every bite, making for a delectable breakfast experience," Gothammag.com states. "Topped with a flavorful key lime sauce, toasted lemon meringue and pecan graham cracker crumble, this breakfast item is a sweet tooth's dream come true." They pretty much do it all. I'm happy to see this Florida gem make the tally. On top of the food, Benny's on the Beach also has some fun entertainment options, such as live music, bingo trivia and more. So, you can get your grub on and enjoy a day or night out. They also have non-breakfast fare, if that's more your last. Not many Southern spots made this tally, by the way. Another one that did make the cut is Bread & Butterfly in Atlanta, which is unique because it's a French-inspired bistro with seasonal options. If you're ever up that way, try their "fluffy, butter-topped" pancakes and "crispy fried potatoes." Their menu also seems really cutting edge.

From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it's probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you're on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.

Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.

In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.

Therefore, when encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here's a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.

Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it's a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.

According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it's challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.

Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it's nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren't eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.

There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it's best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It's worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it's wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.