Vaffel&Venn, a Los Angeles-based pop-up founded by Elin Mork and Jerome Bennett, is bringing traditional Norwegian heart-shaped waffles to local markets and sporting events. By utilizing a family recipe featuring buttermilk and cardamom, the business serves as a cultural bridge for the city’s Norwegian community while expanding its reach to local farmers markets and charitable efforts.
Origin and Culinary Tradition
The concept for Vaffel&Venn began around last Christmas. Elin Mork, who moved to Los Angeles from Norway in 2018 with her sister Linda, sought to recreate the flavors of home when they were unable to travel for the holidays. According to Mork, the recipe relies on a traditional family preparation from their mother, Eva, which features a distinct, heavy use of cardamom.
The waffles are prepared using buttermilk, which provides a signature tang that differentiates them from the sweeter, dessert-oriented Belgian variety. The heart shape is a generational standard in Norway, produced by using specific five-heart-connected iron molds. The menu includes house-made jams—such as strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, vanilla, and a seasonal mango-pineapple-lime blend—and the traditional Norwegian whey cheese, brunost (Ski Queen), which Mork compares to the flavor profile of a peanut butter and jelly pairing.
Community Impact and Growth
Since its launch in March, Vaffel&Venn has established a presence at the Inglewood Farmers Market and various community events, including a recent World Cup watch party at Joxer Daly’s in Culver City. Jerome Bennett, an L.A. native and co-owner, emphasizes that the business aims to blend Nordic traditions with local creative sensibilities. Beyond the food, the owners support The Lovejoy Foundation, a dog rescue organization, by donating the tips they receive.
The pop-up has drawn interest from a diverse customer base, including attendees at soccer matches who, despite rooting for different teams, have gravitated toward the stall. Mork notes that the goal is to provide a sense of comfort, describing the waffles as an “everyday thing” rather than a special occasion item.
Future Outlook
As Vaffel&Venn continues to operate, the owners indicate that the business is intended to be a long-term fixture in Los Angeles. While they currently maintain a consistent schedule at the Inglewood Farmers Market on Saturdays and additional Sunday hours at Wilshire and La Brea, the founders suggest that their creative approach to flavor pairings will continue to evolve.
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