Dessert First: Taiyaki waffles at Mochilato, Irvine CA

A Japanese-Italian sweet shop, featuring traditional mochi, gelato, Italian shaved ice topped with fresh fruit, and even mochi stuffed with gelato. What I had was a Taiyaki, which is a Japanese waffle topped with strawberries, bananas whipped cream, a house sauce and chocolate gelato. It normally comes topped with a crème brulee gelato, but something about the chocolate gelato just felt so right. But after talking to a friend who is actually Japanese, supposedly a Japanese waffle doesn’t exist. Whatever, it was still worth ordering. This waffle is perfect in thickness, slightly thinner and not at all dense like the chunky, starchy waffle that requires you to stretch your mouth to the limits. This waffle is light and airy, and has a distinct sweetness that adds a perfect compliment and in no way overpowers. Just by looking at it, you can already tell that this is something special that you’re just about to divulge in. Just make sure that when you’re sharing with your friends, they don’t end up slicing their piece with your plastic knife and then licking it. And when they stare at you in envy for not ordering the same thing, try not to feel bad.