The sun was barely up, yet the aroma of sizzling chicken and waffles filled the air in Houston. In the latest rendition of Good Morning America's culinary face-off, the spotlight fell on the enticing "United States of Breakfast" competition, celebrating America's best morning offerings.

On this lively Monday morning, June 26, the backdrop for the gastronomic showdown was the iconic Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Among the contenders were two beloved local establishments: the ever-popular Midtown's The Breakfast Klub and the charming Dandelion Cafe, a Bellaire-based hotspot that has been serving up delightful treats since 2016.

At the heart of the contest was the classic yet varied dish of chicken and waffles. Each of these culinary establishments brought their distinct flavor profile and presentation to the table. Representing The Breakfast Klub was owner Marcus Davis, presenting a time-tested favorite - Creole-spiced chicken and waffle, an endearing dish that has warmed the hearts and bellies of Houston residents for over two decades.

Dandelion Cafe owners, Sarah Lieberman and Chef J.C. Ricks, presented a stunning and daring variant of the classic. A cornbread waffle served as the bed for chorizo-spiced fried chicken, topped with a fiery maple compound butter, and dusted lightly with powdered sugar. The Dandelion Cafe’s innovative dish offered a bold flavor balance, harmonizing sweet and spicy notes. As Food Network star Eddie Jackson put it, "Two totally different chicken and waffles, [Dandelion] has more of a sweet and heat combination, and this compound butter with a little chili kick is everything."

The esteemed panel of judges, which also included ABC13 reporter Erica Simon and former Houston Texans star Owen Daniels, deliberated and, with a two-to-one vote, awarded the coveted prize to Dandelion Cafe. With this win, Dandelion Cafe is now set to advance to the grand finals in New York City on Friday, where they'll match their culinary skills against winners from Cleveland, Boston, and Philadelphia, vying for the grand prize of $10,000.

A mention of this competition would be incomplete without recognizing last year's illustrious victor, Trill Burgers. Good Morning America had previously crowned Bun B’s Trill Burgers as the winner of its "Ultimate Burger Spot," a victory that propelled the smash burger concept toward its recent successful brick-and-mortar debut. Their triumph in a similar culinary competition, involving a four-city battle, underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of the food scene that this exciting annual contest highlights.

The Dandelion Cafe is located at 5405 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401, For more information, visit dandelionhouston.com