Why should IHOP have all the fun? This National Pancake Day, El Dorado Hills serves up stacks of local flavor. Spoiler: There’s no such thing as ‘too many toppings’ here. Let’s dive into the history, local spots, and fun ways to celebrate this delicious holiday right here in El Dorado Hills.
A Brief Stack of Pancake History
Pancakes have been around longer than your grandma’s cast-iron skillet. They date back over 30,000 years to the Stone Age—yes, even cavemen knew the magic of pancakes! Ancient Greeks and Romans whipped up their own versions with honey and curdled milk, while Shakespeare himself gave pancakes a shout-out in his plays. Fast forward to today, and pancakes have become a global phenomenon. These versatile treats are beloved worldwide, from French crepes to American buttermilk stacks.
National Pancake Day itself began in 2006 as a charity event hosted by IHOP. Since then, it’s raised millions for local communities while giving us all an excuse to eat pancakes like it’s our job.
Where to Celebrate in El Dorado Hills
Skip the griddle clean up at home and head out to some local favorites for a pancake feast:
Located at 4370 Town Center Blvd., Suite 120, Selland’s Market-Café offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with handcrafted dishes. While pancakes aren’t their mainstay, their Sunday brunch menu might surprise you with some sweet breakfast options. Plus, their patio overlooking the Town Center lake is perfect for enjoying your meal al fresco.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
For a more upscale pancake experience, South Fork Grille at 4364 Town Center Blvd., Suite 124, is your go-to spot. Their weekend brunch (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM) is an excellent opportunity to enjoy creative takes on breakfast classics. Pair your pancakes with a mimosa or two—you deserve it!
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
How to Celebrate National Pancake Day
1. Host a DIY Pancake Bar
Gather friends and family for a pancake party at home! Create a DIY pancake bar with all the toppings you can imagine—maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, chocolate chips, Nutella…the list goes on. Feeling adventurous? Try savory toppings like smoked salmon or avocado.
2. Try New Recipes
Expand your pancake repertoire by experimenting with different recipes. Delish offers an array of options, from classic buttermilk pancakes to creative twists like lemon ricotta or Japanese soufflé pancakes. Check out their website for inspiration, and get flipping!
3. Support Local Charities
Many restaurants use National Pancake Day as an opportunity to give back. If you’re dining out at IHOP or other participating eateries, consider donating to their chosen charity while enjoying your free short stack.
4. Get Competitive
Why not turn pancake flipping into a sport? Host a friendly pancake-flipping contest at home or challenge your kids to see who can stack the tallest tower of pancakes without toppling it over.
Fun Pancake Facts to Impress Your Friends
- The world’s largest pancake measured over 49 feet in diameter and weighed over 6,000 pounds!
- Native Americans originally discovered maple syrup as a sweet drink before it became the perfect pancake companion.
- Maple syrup is the most popular pancake topping (62% of people agree), followed by butter and fresh fruit.
- Pancakes are America’s third favorite breakfast food behind bacon and eggs.
Why Pancakes Deserve Their Own Day
Pancakes aren’t just food; they’re an experience. Whether you like them fluffy or thin, sweet or savory, they unite people over shared plates and sticky fingers. On National Pancake Day, let’s celebrate the pancakes themselves and the memories made around them.
So this February 28th, grab your fork (or spatula) and join El Dorado Hills in honoring one of life’s simplest yet most satisfying pleasures—pancakes!
Sources: nationaltoday.com, klove.com, calendarr.com, delish.com, google.com
Header Image Source: Pablo Bustos on Unsplash
