After digging in to our first waffle bite and milkshake sip at Cousteau’s Waffle & Milkshake Bar, Heather and I were in agreement – if you haven’t visited this place, you’re doing the St. Augustine lifestyle wrong. Opened in 2013, the little shop is owned by Stephen DiMare (of Hyppo fame) and he clearly brought all his trendy, delicious genius to the table.
I admit with no shame that I chose our waffle and milkshake subjects almost purely for their names. Though the whole menu is populated with a slew of names that must have some bizarre stories behind them, the Jaguar Shark waffle and the Electric Jellyfish were the winners in my book. Some definitely-cooler-than-you marine life just does this town justice.
But trust us. Cousteau’s isn’t just bells and whistles, cute names and branding. They need some serious substance to be sling hundreds of waffles a day. And that substance is their traditional (slightly Americanized) Liege dough recipe. That’s right. Their waffles are made from a hearty, heavy dough, not batter. They also mix the dough with pearl sugar that melts as the waffles are cooked and create giant pockets of, well, pure sugar.
But that’s only pregaming the waffle party. After it’s cooked, the Jaguar Shark is topped with candied bacon, candied pecans, maple syrup, and homemade bourbon whipped cream – a surprisingly complex and slightly savory, salty creation.
The Electric Jellyfish milkshake is a little more simple but no less delicious blend of vanilla ice cream and homemade blueberry compote, topped with homemade whipped cream. You can taste the freshness in every sip and “homemade and handcrafted” is unmistakable.
Don’t let your eye wander by this Hypolita Street staple. Inside you’ll find over-the-top culinary delight and an attention to delicious detail – along with homage paid to the king of quirky and eclectic himself, Wes Anderson.
Cousteau’s is located at 15 Hypolita Street. Visit them online at www.wafflemilk.com.
