IHOP For Me...

It’s been a while since my last update. I haven’t forgotten about my blog, but I also don’t want to develop blogorrhea. For those not in the know, that unfortunate term refers to bloggers who write just for the sake of writing. Kind of reminds me of the Xanga site I used to blog on during my college years (and no, you don’t get a link to it).

So how about another restaurant review? Sharing what I had for breakfast is about the best I can come up with lately.

IHOP has recently revamped its menu to include healthier choices. “IHOP for Me” is a series of better-for-you menu items, showcased on the very back page. Calories, fat grams, and other pertinent information is listed. From that new menu, the multigrain blueberry banana pancakes with scrambled egg (substitute) sounded worthy of a try.

To start out, I requested coffee with milk instead of cream—because I hate cream in my coffee. After confirming my order, my waitress brought me a bowl of creamers anyway. At least IHOP gives you the entire carafe of coffee, something I wish more restaurants did. It’s a win-win really, less for the servers to do, and instant gratification when the coffee cup runneth dry. IHOP’s coffee tastes surprisingly similar to Denny’s. I know this sounds odd, but under the distinct Columbian flavor is a hint of something like detergent. I’d blame the stuff they clean the coffee makers with, but I venture to say I’m picking up on what a true coffee connoisseur would call “fruity undertones,” or something fruity to that affect.

My breakfast arrived shortly thereafter, and I’ll admit, the presentation was definitely appetizing. Two large pancakes, studded with fresh blueberries and crowned with sliced banana was offset by a generous helping of scrambled egg garnished with parsley. Butter and syrup were served on the side.

The large pancakes, while generous with fruit, lacked in both taste and texture. They were crumbly and wouldn’t stay on a fork. The griddle-oil flavor overpowered the subtle multigrain undertones, although the nuts in the batter made for a nice added texture. The banana on top proved a bit under-ripe. The eggs, however, were tasty for egg substitute and needed just a little salt and pepper.

Being Sunday in Buffalo, the IHOP servers were dressed in Bills jerseys. This coincides with the new NFL-themed menu offerings, including football-shaped french toast.

IHOP is more expensive than Denny’s. And who can beat Denny’s $5.99 Build Your Own Grand Slam—17 mix-and-match items to choose from, some being “better-for-you” options. Denny’s hearty-wheat pancakes trump IHOP’s multigrain any day. However, IHOP also has a new whole-wheat french toast breakfast, complete with eggs and turkey bacon. There’s also pumpkin pancakes for fall. So I might splurge and try them again, but Denny’s remains my favorite in this category of diners.