Over the years, there have been varying stories about the origins of chicken and waffles. Many believe that the infamous duo made its debut in the 1930s at the Harlem-based restaurant Wells Supper Club. For me, however, my love for the dish began in the late ’90s, and it is one that has made a lasting impact on the way I view food.
I can still remember my first time tasting a cornmeal waffle covered in a blanket of butter and syrup. I was sitting at the end of my grandmother’s kitchen table, enjoying the soulful noise coming through her record player, when she introduced the distinct blend of sweet and savory flavors married into a delicious waffle. At that moment, I’d found a dish that I knew I’d find comfort in for years to come….