INGOOD TASTE
Gordon Sheffer , PhD , Managing Partner ; Tahj Merriman , Executive Chef and Partner , Waffles , INCaffeinated
Waffles , INCaffeinated 10339 Perry Hwy ., Wexford ; 412.349.5257 , wafflesincaffeinated . com ( Other locations include 2517 East Carson St ., South Side ; 412.301.1763 and 453 Third St ., Beaver ; 724.359.4841 .)
On the Menu : An artfully presented , gourmet breakfast destination , Waffles , INCaffeinated also prepares a variety of omelets , French toast , crepes , sandwiches and lunch options . In addition to dishes listed on the menu , there ’ s a “ Build- Your-Own ” waffle , omelet , crepe , or French toast selection where the sweet or savory combinations are nearly endless . Numerous toppings include , but are not limited to , bananas , avocado , blueberry sauce , peach cream cheese , peanut butter fluff and spicy mayo plus mix-in choices include almonds , baby leaf spinach , chorizo , coconut , bacon and Oreo crumbles — to name a few . The Megaberry , one of the most popular sweet waffles , is loaded in-and-out with blueberries and raspberries and topped with fresh strawberries , raspberry sauce and whipped cream . The Breakfast Magic , one of the most popular savory dishes , has bacon , cheddar cheese and green onion inside and is crowned with a fried egg . From a waffle-based version of Eggs Benedict or Bananas Foster , to fried chicken and waffles and a classic B . L . T ., it ’ s the sides
Candid conversations with the dining scene ’ s most engaging chefs
that round out the menu . Choose from home fries , mushrooms , sausage , sweet potato fries , toast varieties , roasted tomatoes , ham , bacon , a fresh fruit salad or small greens . Menu items also reflect the needs of a restricted diet . From gluten- and dairy-free waffles to vegan waffles , there is something for everyone .
Q A Why did you become a chef ?
T . M .: While helping my grandmother make sourdough waffles and already having a creative vein — I was inspired to cook . I began working in local fine dining restaurants as a teenager to learn the craft . Following high school , I applied to The Greenbrier Resort and was accepted into their highly recognized Culinary Apprenticeship Program . After four years , I traveled and worked at places such as the Ritz , working under such notable chefs as Murimoto and others , including an apprenticeship learning how to make sushi in Japan . I returned to Western Pennsylvania and began my Waffles , INCaffeinated career . Since then I also serve in the military and have taken a lesser role in the day-to day operations of the restaurant .
What led you to work for the organization ? T . M .: When I began assisting my grandmother making waffles , I always had the idea of one day opening a waffle-themed restaurant . In general , breakfast has been a traditional eggs-and-bacon meal , but I always thought there were so many
Gordon Sheffer , Managing Partner , and Tahj Merriman , Executive Chef and Partner .
possibilities to make breakfast interesting and more of a gourmet experience .
G . S .: I became a customer of Waffles , INCaffeinated not long after Tahj opened it in December 2010 . It was a very small establishment with the best breakfast food I had ever tasted . Every detail of each meal was impeccably prepared . Tahj and his two cousins , Josh and Cassandra Cuddy , were interested in expanding the restaurant and starting a new location . I became a partner and now I ’ m managing partner .
Who has influenced your cooking the most ? T . M .: My grandmother .
What kitchen tool can ’ t you live without ? T . M .: A chef ’ s knife — I need it for every dish I create .
Best cooking advice for a novice ? T . M .: Improve your knife skills as best you can and explore different flavor combinations .
Other than Waffles , INCaffeinated , where ’ s your favorite place to eat ? T . M .: I enjoy sushi , so I tend to visit different sushi restaurants .
What ’ s your favorite go-to ingredient ? T . M .: Bacon — who doesn ’ t like it ?
The Breakfast Magic consists of a golden waffle with a bacon , shredded cheddar cheese and green onion-infused fried egg , topped with more bacon , cheddar cheese and a green onion and sour cream garnish .
What ’ s the next big food or dining trend ? There are so many trends already . However , the need to increase menu offerings to those with food allergies or other dietary restrictions , whether voluntary or medically required , will continue to grow . n
— Reese Randall
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