Gaufree's: Organic, All Natural, Gluten-Free, Free Range Artisan Waffles | @GaufreeIrvine #Review

My family loves trying new foods, there is no hiding that fact, especially since my pants are getting a little snug even with my new running and exercise schedule.  When we are looking for a new restaurant, we look for our healthiest choices while still tasting good.  Heavy on the tasting good.  Why would we want to waste calories on food that doesn't?

I was approached to attend a media tasting by a restaurant in Irvine called Gaufree's.  Gaufre translates into "waffles" in French.  In the United States, our waffles are all malt based as opposed to elsewhere, which is yeast dough based.  Gaufree's waffles are all the traditional yeast based dough which complements a limitless variety of flavors.


As you probably guessed it, Gaufree's is a Waffle House that brings waffles out of the traditional breakfast food and into your whole diet!  From the Gaufree Waffle Hamburger and fried chicken to smoked salmon and desserts!

It all started 25 years ago with a simple goal, of a fast casual concept fits perfectly with our California lifestyle.

They strive for fast tasty fare with exceptional quality. They not only strive for excellence, they refuse to accept less. While their name is a bit more ecclectic it certainly will prove that GAUFRE or WAFFLE is a tasty fare and such novelty that it will explode in the coming years.

Some of the favorite things I learned about Gaufree's are:

• All food is local and fresh and organic, whenever possible
• All protein is free range, grass fed, as well as antibiotic and hormone free
• All the dressings and most of the condiments are made from scratch
• They have served McConnell's ice cream since 1949
• All the coffee is organic Moto coffee
• All of the wines are from Caliornia wineries
• The beer is Belgian, hand crafted beer
• All soft drinks are with no artificial ingredients or coloring
• They use recycled, reclaimed materials whenever possible
• The employees are treated with respect and are important pieces of the team

All of these things make me want to try everything on the menu.  One thing I always worry about when trying new foods with my children is taste.  Will my kids like something new and different?  In a society that is full of high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors and colors, how would they like an all natural approach?

I must say they ate everything I placed in front of them.

We decided to try the Chicken and Waffles, Philly Cheese Steak and an Asian salad.  The french fries were sprinkled with garlic and made with a garlic dipping sauce that was to die for!

Gaufree's brings new meaning to "Chicken and Waffles"

  

               The Asian Salad had waffle croutons!           The Philly Cheese-steak had a sweet crunch

We really enjoyed the food although I wouldn't get the Asian Salad again with Kale.  I would rather get it with spinach or mixed greens instead.  It wasn't bad but the kale overpowered the rest of the salad and I would have rather tasted all the complexities of it.

My kids gave the Philly cheese-steak sandwich two thumbs up and my husband couldn't get enough of his chicken/waffle sandwich.  Although the main dishes were great, the best was about to arrive, dessert!

The Peanut Butter Pie I could eat morning, noon and night!  I had to fight my kids over it!

Peanut Butter Pie Waffle with Sea Salt Caramel

Brussels Street Waffle with Chocolate Sauce and Rasberry Coulis

There were so many good looking and healthy alternative foods at Gaufree's!  I will have to return many times to put a dent in tasting the whole menu.   I think if I could choose ONE item to come back for, it would be the Peanut Butter Pie Waffle! O.M.G.!  It was that good!  

How about trying it for yourself?  Would you like to win a gift card?  Enter below!

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DISCLAIMER:  I was invited to a media tasting for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts and ideas are my own.  Do not use any photos without permission.