When I received the press release from the folks at IHOP announcing today's free-pancake promotion, I totally got it: It's National Pancake Day. Timed to coincide with Shrove Tuesday—the day before traditional Lenten fasting begins—Pancake Day evolved from the era when dairy products were verboten in the 40 days before Easter. And what better way to use up all your eggs, milk and butter than to slam it all into a short stack smothered with syrup?
Now, when the next press release landed in my inbox on the same day, I had to scratch my head a bit. Apropos of nothing, it seems, the Waffle Lobby is urgently moving us to gridded action with a list of recipes under the heading "Let's Make Waffles."
Not since Sen. John McCain announced his Alaskan running mate on the day after Obama's historic nomination acceptance have I seen such a brazen attempt to upstage a competitor.
"Is it a waffle iron, waffle maker, or waffler?" this time-sensitive document opens. "Whatever you call it, it's time to dig yours out from the back of the cabinet and dust it off."
Really? Is it time? Today of all days? It is National Pancake Day, after all. Couldn't you pick another day to get out and toot your waffle horn? Would you celebrate King George III's birthday on Presidents Day?
For just one day, couldn't you and Pancakes try to live in starchy bi-partisan breakfast unity. To be perfectly honest, Waffles, this prank just makes you look small.
Speaking of small, you can get a free short stack at any IHOP today from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. In exchange for the free pancakes, guests are encouraged to make a donation to the Children's Miracle Network program at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.
How does that make you feel, Waffles?
