A recent jaunt through the city for hand pulled noodles left me walking past Doughnut Plant. (Forgive the Blackberry pic; it was really cold so I just took my phone out and snapped the above photo instead of taking out my P&S camera.) I decided to give a donut a whirl – yes, I’m always about a year or two behind on trends, forgive me – as soon as I walked in, I knew what I was going to get.
The creme brulee donut was the first choice; BF loves-loves-LOVES creme brulee, so I knew immediately he would try this and tell me what he thought.
I took these photos an hour before I saw him, or he would have snatched it out of my hand and not let me take photos. So, this donut is actually pretty small – about half the diameter of a regular donut. However, BF bit into it, asking me the whole time, “Creme brulee? Is there just creme inside? What makes this – ” and I had to hush him “I don’t know, I never had a donut from here before, I bought this for you, just eat it and tell me what you think.”
After a moment of chewing and silence, he swallowed and told me, “Wow.” Another pause and “This is a really well thought out pastry. Write that down. Use that. ‘Well thought out’ – that is exactly how to describe this. There are crunchy sugar crystals on the outside that almost taste burnt, and then the creme inside tastes exactly like a good creme brulee should, beneath the burnt part. Wow.” Another pause and then he admitted he thought I’d overpaid for the donut, but he could see why it cost what it does. (I paid a little over $5 for two donuts, though I don’t believe the donuts were priced equally.)
Of course, as soon as I walked in, I also knew I would be getting the tres leches donut. I love tres leches.
From browsing reviews, I’d thought I’d read there would be some oozy cream on the inside of this donut, but when I bit into mine, nothing creamed forth. Ah well. I enjoyed my donut greatly, but I did not have the same kind of near-religious experience that BF did with his. I think I’d have to try something else the next time I go back – and yes, there will be a next time; BF and I actually used to frequently brunch quite nearby, so I can’t imagine not picking up a donut or 6 the next time we’re in the area.
Yvo says: I’m late to the donut-trend-scene, but that isn’t surprising given that 1- I watch my weight, 2- I vastly prefer savory items to sweet, and 3- well, I heart Krispy Kremes fresh off the belt. Why mess with what I considered perfection??? In any case, what I’ve tried so far has been pretty damn good, so I imagine I will continue trying (and reporting back) as time goes on… and I may just have to stop watching my weight. Except watching it go up… sigh.
highly recommended creme brulee donut – if they put so much attention to detail in all their donuts as that one, well, we’ve got a winner.
Steve says
mmm, forbidden doughnut.
Homer approves this review.
T.C. says
Hey now, donuts!
I wish there was a pic for the inside of the creme brulee donut though.
Feisty Foodie says
Me too! BF inhaled his really quickly and it was gooey, so I opted out of trying to stop him and snapping a photo while it dribbled down his hand, though. :T Food blogger FAIL
skippymom says
Six years and he is still a bully about his food? Such a keeper that man. heehee
You dont’ read my blog anymore but you missed the donuts the Squirrel made me over the snow days. OMG – better than any donut shop. Oh well.
Aimee S. says
I love a good doughnut.
I live in Krispy Kreme country and personally I think they suck. I’d much rather have a REAL doughnut.
Kevin says
I LOVE donut plant.
And Aimee, I’m right there with you on Krispy Kreme. I’m originally from SC – deep in KK country – and have always thought their donuts were lousy.
Also, I knew an Aimee S. once. You’ve never been to Pompeii have you?
Lkp says
You are still ahead of me! DP has been on my list for YEARS and I just never seem to get to that part of the woods. I can’t wait to try it.
Hungry says
I, too, enjoy savory things more. However, I loved the creme brulee but wasn’t drooling over the tres leche. It tasted like a glazed doughnut to me. If you like chocolate, may I suggest the Chocolate Valrhona? It’s the fluffy, yeasty doughnut kind. If you like cake like doughnuts then I think they have one called Blackout. Enjoy!
Steve says
hungry you have to fix your blog, i can never comment, it always craps out.
T.C. says
Mo Diva and myself do not have that issue with Hungry’s page though. I normally hit preview first (sometimes twice if error), enter the word verification, then submit it.
Witzel says
I have a soft spot for KK donuts — once upon a time I was used to buying a dozen in the grocery store parking lot every Sunday in Durham as part of a church group fundraiser. But the raves about doughnut plant, including this one… I just have to make time and get there. Pics make them look even more awesome than they sound!