Baladoche

This cafe, an offshoot of the original Lakeview Baladoche, opened quietly in Edgewater in mid-June. It's currently operating in soft-launch mode. Look for added amenities such as new signage, a walk-up carryout window, outdoor seating and expanded hours by late summer. Like the Lakeview location, this spot specializes in zucker waffles (a.k.a. Liege waffles). What makes these waffles different from the Brussels-style waffles you find on most brunch menus? Zucker waffles are prepped with sugar pearls in the dough so you don’t need to douse 'em with butter and syrup--they’re sweet enough to eat solo. Plus, they’re portable. (Traditionalists take note: toppings such as cinnamon-sugar and Nutella are available if you've gotta have ‘em.) There’s also a selection of gelato and sorbet, a rare treat in this neck of the woods, plus a lineup of caffeinated beverages. With seating for about 30, this location is larger than the Lakview outpost; it's fitted with comfy couches and a faux fireplace.