Posted on Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 5:58 a.m.
Flipping fluffy flapjacks at Nick's Original House of Pancakes in Ann Arbor
By Melanie Maxwell
Want more Breakfast Week videos?
Catch up on the breakfast features you missed below:
- VIDEO / WITH POLL: AnnArbor.com takes on the Bomber Breakfast at the Bomber Restaurant in Ypsilanti
- BREAKFAST WEEK: What's that smell? Tasty bacon at beezy's in Ypsilanti
- BREAKFAST WEEK: Cracking and cooking the perfect egg breakfast at Ann Arbor's Northside Grill
- BREAKFAST WEEK: Flipping fluffy flapjacks at Nick's Original House of Pancakes in Ann Arbor
- BREAKFAST WEEK: How the Fleetwood Diner makes its famous hippie hash
- FOOD & GROCERY: Michigan's Best Breakfast Joint: Statewide finalists, schedule for March 11-15
Hungry yet?
We met up with chef Denny Hines of Nick's Original House of Pancakes, at 3030 Lohr Circle in Ann Arbor, for a few pro tips on how to make them fluffy, light and perfect.
Melanie Maxwell is a photographer for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
Danielle Arndt
Fri, Mar 8, 2013 : 3:42 p.m.
Alright, Mel, I'm pretty sad my choice of chocolate chips did not make the poll! But, side note, the Bomber in Ypsi has awesome peanut butter chip pancakes — so far my favorite in Washtenaw County.
Genboy
Fri, Mar 8, 2013 : 3:16 a.m.
What is up with most restaurants having no real maple syrup available? At least they could have a stash available for those of us willing to pay an extra dollar or two for half a cup.
christy
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.
I'm not a fan of Nick's pancakes we've gone there 3 or 4 different times & each time someone in our party orders the pancakes & they are dry & not appetizing. I guess we're just used to eating the delicious, fluffy goodness of Uptown's pancakes.
mady
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 3:11 p.m.
Does nick's by any chance have buckwheat pancakes? anybody?
ArthGuinness
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 5:53 p.m.
I don't recall seeing them.
Kyle Feldscher
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 2:55 p.m.
Interesting note on the pancake toppings: I picked maple syrup, but when I was in Amsterdam last year I ordered a pancake with cheese and bacon on it. Totally different but absolutely incredible. It was just a big thin pancake with bacon and cheese and deliciousness. When I make my pancakes at home now, I've done that on occasion. Highly recommended, if you're feeling adventurous.
dd
Fri, Mar 8, 2013 : 2:09 a.m.
Unfortunately they don't serve maple syrup there. I asked.
Jessica Webster
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 5:11 p.m.
Funny you should mention that, Kyle Feldscher: http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/food-drink/savory-dutch-baby-is-delicious-for-any-meal/
Melanie Maxwell
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 2:50 p.m.
When I was little my parents used to make us pancakes shaped like a bear. They used a metal stencil-like form with a wooden handel and poured the batter into it! Does anyone make creative pancake shapes at home? Are there any good tricks, perhaps using a washed out ketchup bottle?
mabb
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 1:39 p.m.
Does that stack of pancakes come with the thumb?
jmcmurray
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 5:34 p.m.
They wear food service gloves when not demonstrating a recipe.
DBH
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 5:24 p.m.
Right, Melanie. And the technique he demonstarted (which appears to be one for keeping them on the plate) wouldn't be a habitual one, would it? It seemed to come pretty naturally, though I am speculating, of course.
Melanie Maxwell
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 5:03 p.m.
Hi @mabb & @DBH, Chef Hines made the order as a demonstration for the video. I believe he disposed of them when were finished as I doubt a diner would want to be served cold, pre-syruped pancakes!
DBH
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 4:37 p.m.
Yep, health violation right there. I'll pass on Nick's and make mine at home, thank you very much.
Kyle Mattson
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 1:37 p.m.
This reminded me of a creation my friends and I stumbled upon while on a camping trip: The "Pabst". A sandwich made of Two pancakes, avocado slices, bacon, syrup, and a slice of tomato. To wash it down...a PBR.
Kyle Mattson
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 4:30 p.m.
Don't knock it til you try it mady, it's like a BLT, but sweeter.
mady
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 3:10 p.m.
ACCCCCCCCCK!! YARRRRRGH!
schultz2005
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 1:34 p.m.
I like Nick's. I go there every other weekend. BUT, it is dusty. Nick's need to do some housecleaning and dusting.
Sarah Rigg
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 1:33 p.m.
I know it's hard to believe, but some people like "regular" Mrs. Butterworth type syrup over maple. It boggles my mind, but apparently they exist. Fresh fruit jam is good on pancakes, too.
Danielle Arndt
Fri, Mar 8, 2013 : 3:40 p.m.
I must admit, I am sadly one of those Mrs. Butterworth lovers! I wish it weren't so because I know it's awful for me with all the sugar and high fructose corn syrup. But I don't like the maple flavor of real maple syrup. Too intense. I love Mrs. B's!
Ignatz
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
Once you get beyond the pancakes, you'll discover some pretty nice egg based dishes, too.
ArthGuinness
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 5:52 p.m.
I was just there the other day and had some 'wild west' thing, can't remember the exact name but it was spicy with Andouille sausage and some veggies in the egg on top of some potatoes. It exceeded my expectations, very very good.
Joanne Scharich
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 2 p.m.
Agreed. I have to watch my carbs and I don't eat pancakes anymore -- but I enjoy Nick's omelets!
applehazar
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
Nicks is very good - but they raised prices quite a bit recently - eggs, coffee, meat and specialty pancake combo for 2 now with tip cost $30. There are many options for teh same for much less.
EightySeven
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 12:23 p.m.
Keep up the great work over there, Nick!!