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Whoa, whoa, whoa! Who knew a simple little Hollywood diner, The Waffle, would somehow become the most controversial restaurant in Los Angeles right now? First there was the barrage of "meh" to "terrible" reviews from the Chowhounders, most of whom complained about overpriced entrees and slow, forgetful service (definitely my #1 pet peeve when it comes to restaurants). Then Lesley at EaterLA revealed that bad reviews might have been coming from "a Hollywood contingency who have nothing but disdain for TV and film producer/ex-agent and manager and Waffle co-owner Gavin Polone? He spoke out against the WGA and then opened a Hollywood restaurant during the writer's strike."
Now the backlash has whipped itself right around to the Chowhounders again: over on Metromix, executive chef Scooter Kanfer-Cartmill has called the Chowhound boards "a despicable entity," and that free speech on the internet has devolved into petty slander. Wow! What a lot of kerfuffle over waffles, people. I mean, I know people have strong feelings about bacon, but there's a limit.
Caroline on Crack checked it out for LAist a few weeks back and delivered a fairly positive review: "overall, the experience was pleasant. Wasn't too happy about my food but maybe I just ordered the wrong thing. I did enjoy my chocolate malt and the service was great. I loved going when things were kinda slow." Since the place is literally a block from my job, I'm heading over today to check it out for the first time with LAist editor Zach. Maybe controversy is a good thing?
Photo by Caroline on Crack for LAist
