Too Close to Call: CNE waffle warriors

The Exโ€™s original Hot Ice Cream Waffle takes on a Thanksgiving-inspired newcomer to determine who truly knows their grids. Thereโ€™s no time for flip-flopping or mid way answers.

Fran’s Restaurant’s
CNE waffles

vs.

Conklin’s hot ice cream 
waffles

Roger (pictured), Richard and Joon Kim; opened in 1940 and at the CNE since 201 Owner(s); year established:
 
Jim Conklin; 1940
“This year is going to be our second. It’s very historical — same thing as Fran’s. How many years have you been at the Ex? “Since 1937. It was part of our [Conklin Shows] carnival, which travelled across Canada.” 
“Last year the Thanksgiving waffle was a huge hit. We’re selling it again this year along with one of our new items, the deep fried rice pudding. We’ve had the recipe since the beginning of Fran’s.” Tell us about the food that you’re serving: “The ice cream waffle is a very peculiar product. The food booth was originally stationed beside the grandstand; people used to grab one as they came out. It has only been successful in Toronto. We tried it elsewhere, but it hasn’t worked.” 
“It took us a long time — probably a year — to come up with the perfect recipe. Labour intensive!” What’s the key to getting the waffles 
just so?
“We are still using the original irons; we just restored them recently. It’s a lot easier today ’cause we can now coat the irons with Teflon.”
“The Thanksgiving waffle is Thanksgiving in your mouth. When you’re over at your parents’, you have a bit of everything. This is all in one. Can you let us know more about the 
waffle filling?
“We just use the one flavour of ice cream:
vanilla. This is it! Why mess with it? Everybody likes it.”
“I’m all about the classics! I head to the Polar Express for a quick spin. It always brings out the kid in me. Favourite ride at the CNE — past or present? “It would have been the Flyer — a permanent wooden roller-coaster on the grounds at the time. It was the noise that got to you more 
than the thrill!”
“We will be launching our book, Since 1940, celebrating 75 years of the restaurant!” Doing anything special at the Ex this year?  “It’s the 75th anniversary of our ice cream waffle, so yes, we’ll be doing something special….”
     
www.fransrestaurant.com   www.conklinshows.com

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