Life Pancake Company (Jersey City, New Jersey) | Influencer Restaurant Review by Guy Fieri

AI-Generated Summary: Guy Fieri’s Life Pancake Company  Restaurant Review Video

In this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy Fieri returns to the Life Pancake Company, previously known as The Brownstone Diner and Pancake Company, to explore the evolution of this family-owned pancake dynasty. With a history dating back decades, this spot continues to churn out massive, creative pancake dishes, alongside an extensive menu that includes savory offerings.

Life Pancake Company may be famous for its massive pancakes, but Guy Fieri discovered there’s much more to the menu, from savory lunch options like moussaka to indulgent dishes like the Monte Cristo. With a deep family history and a dedication to both innovation and tradition, this Jersey City spot continues to delight locals and visitors alike.

Featured Dishes:

• Classic Pancakes:
  • Preparation:
    • The pancake batter is made in large batches using a mix of buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, flour, and vanilla syrup, with a dash of confectioners’ sugar to enhance texture. These pancakes come in multiple varieties, including Oreo Pancakes and Nutty Pancakes topped with almonds, walnuts, and honey.
  • Guy’s Take:
    • Guy praised the pancakes for their thick, fluffy texture, especially the nutty pancake, calling it a perfect balance of savory and sweet. With the restaurant now serving up to 1,000 pancakes a weekend, it has cemented its reputation as a go-to breakfast spot.
• Pancake Bites:
  • Preparation:
    • A hybrid of pancakes and hush puppies, these bites are made from a thicker pancake batter with added baking powder and cinnamon for extra fluffiness. They are topped with an apple compote made from sautéed apples, orange juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
  • Guy’s Take:
    • Guy loved the contrast between the crispy exterior and soft, doughy interior of the bites. The apple compote added a sweet, tangy element that made this dish stand out.
• Moussaka:
  • Preparation:
    • A savory option on the menu, this traditional Greek dish is made with layers of ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes, all seasoned with dill and parsley. It’s topped with fried eggplant and a creamy béchamel sauce, then baked to perfection.
  • Guy’s Take:
    • Guy was surprised by the rich, hearty flavor of the moussaka, noting that the pancake joint’s menu offers much more than just breakfast, with substantial lunch and dinner options as well.
• Monte Cristo:
  • Preparation:
    • This sandwich combines turkey, ham, and Swiss cheese between slices of French toast. The French toast is made by dipping bread in a batter of milk, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon, then grilled until golden and crispy.
  • Guy’s Take:
    • Guy enjoyed the Monte Cristo’s balance of savory and sweet, with the French toast providing a rich, custardy base for the meats and cheese. Dipping it into syrup added an extra layer of indulgence.
• Triple D Wrap:
  • Preparation:
    • A creative twist on the traditional wrap, this dish uses an oversized pancake to hold fillings like buffalo chicken and American cheese. Originally improvised by Guy during his visit, it has since become a permanent menu item.
  • Guy’s Take:
    • Guy loved the spicy, cheesy combination of the buffalo chicken inside the pancake, praising it as a fun, flavorful take on a breakfast burrito.