A Review of Waffle de Lys in Gatlinburg: My First Splurge
Before you begin to say I shouldn’t have this, you’re absolutely right—I should definitely not. But I don’t make a habit of wandering into sweet shops seizing free samples of everything and buying up loads of chocolate candies, ice creams, taffy, and whatever forms of sugar you can find boat loads of in Gatlinburg. No, I’ve learned to be good—it’s just not worth the deterioration of my body. I’m thankful diabetes hasn’t ravaged my health after 30 years with the disease. But I took one for the team on this day. And yes, I’d be lying if I said I never cared to try them. Here goes!
Waffle de Lys has two locations in Gatlinburg: the first one is directly on the Parkway near Pancake Pantry; the second is the newest one in the back of Reagan Terrace Mall. The former is basically a walk-up kiosk that’s no different than a few others on the Parkway. The latter occupies the former Burg Coffees space, which was my original go-to coffee place before I fell in love with Coffee and Company. This would be where I ordered my sinful concoction.
Their waffles are listed as authentic, with a French twist to go along with their Belgian birthing. The French touch has to do with the toppings that are actually imported from France. Their list of imported options are quite impressive and rather off-beat for most Americans. A few of these include Melted Brie, Raspberry Coulis, and Belgian chocolate.
I have to admit I was wavering even as I was gazing dreamily at the menu. Was I really going to go through with it? Well, once I was offered a sample of what the nice lady said was their best seller, La Crunchy, which is a waffle topped with bananas, cookie butter, caramelized hazelnuts, Belgian chocolate and whipped cream, I was committed. Thankfully, it was just a sample. It was delicious, but way too sweet for me—a good sign of what I shouldn’t be selecting. After some extended deliberation, (as fitting as this is for me) I chose the La Choco Berry, since it seemed the least destructive. It contains raspberry coulis, strawberries, Belgian chocolate, and whipped cream. If I was going to have lots of sugar, I might as well have a decent percentage of it in fruit. Right?
How was it? I was surprised at how muted the richness was, but I think that was due in large part to the minimal toppings. Yes, it was very nice and balanced. The waffle was amazing—not too sweet with a slight crisp on the outside and soft underneath. I was expecting a sugar explosion, but instead, I was pleased it delivered a dessert-y delightful taste without the saturated sweetness it could’ve had. Do the others give off that sensation? Maybe. I know their most popular choice did just that, but I don’t regret ordering the La Choco Berry one iota. It was the best decision I could’ve made, and it was reinforced when I didn’t feel super fatigued later on. I survived. That's a win in my book.
If you’re thinking it’s just a place to order a dessert waffle, you would be wrong. You can also get your favorite coffee drink, as well as various smoothies, milkshakes, and Belgian hot chocolate. Your waffle can be ordered simply a la mode with chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry if you’re not looking for the sugar bomb of their specialty items. Honestly, if I ever did return, I could see myself doing this. But would I?
Likely…no. I’m probably a one and done at Waffle de Lys, but that shouldn’t be seen negatively. Again, the fact I even willingly made this sacrifice is incredible on its face. Unless more sweet shops in Gatlinburg make more effort into making sugar free items that won’t cause laxative effects, I won’t be visiting. This place was unique and intriguing enough for me to get a taste of some true European pizzazz. I was not disappointed. Despite my permanence of reservation for such places, this one gets a 4.6 out of 5. I don’t even know why I’m taking decimals off, but I have nothing else like it I can compare it to. I just know it was very good, and I’m glad I stopped for the splurge.
Thank you for reading my latest food review in Gatlinburg! I hope you enjoyed my positive review of Waffle de Lys, and I highly support your decision to stop here next time you’re in town for a visit! I appreciate all of you who’ve subscribed to my publication. Stay tuned for more stuff from me about everything regarding my home in Gatlinburg!