The culmination of Mardi Gras happens on Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday. Since it’s the last “hurrah” before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday—a time when Catholics traditionally gave up milk, butter and eggs—it became a day to use up all these rich ingredients. This gave rise to the custom of making pancakes. National Pancake Day soon got marked on calendars and IHOP celebrates each year by giving out free stacks. Here’s how pancakes are showing up on other menus right now.
The Original Pancake House
Portland, OR
Oven-baked Granny Smith Apple Pancake with Pure Sinkiang Cinnamon Glaze; $8.95
The Breslin
New York, NY
Pumpkin Pancakes with Spiced Chili Pecan Butter; $14
M. Henry
Chicago, IL
Fluffy Hotcakes Layered with Warm Blackberries and Vanilla Mascarpone Cream Topped with Brown Sugar and Oat Crust; $8.95
Pomelo
San Francisco, CA
Scandinavian Cardamom Pancake Rolls Served with Spiced Orange Compote, Honey-Glazed Pecans and Chantilly Cream; $7.50
Cafette
Chestnut Hill, PA
Vanilla Pancakes with Vermont Maple Syrup and Fresh Strawberries; $7
Blue Duck Tavern
Washington, D.C.
Sour Dough Baked Pancake with Dry Cherries, Confiture and Clotted Cream; $13
Maialino
New York, NY
Ricotta Pancakes with Maple Syrup; $12
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