Dreaming of Donuts in LA

Ah, donuts.  When I was growing up my dad would bring us donuts every other Saturday morning, so they would be waiting for us when we woke up.  Not that I need to justify loving donuts with a story about my childhood.   





When I moved to LA I thought nothing would fill the empty space left behind by New York's Doughnut Plant.  

I used to live close to their shop (they are closed on Mondays! I know because I went twice on Monday before it clicked) and would check several times a week for their Passion Fruit doughnut (they change daily).  I can say in all my years of doughnut eating that the Passion Fruit Doughnut is the best doughnut ever created.    

The others aren't so bad though.

Stan's Donuts in Westwood was one of the first places I went to when I moved to CA.  

I am a sucker for anything that's pink - especially homemade pink frosting.  Their Simpson's Donut is pretty close to a perfect pink donut.  I think it's the strawberry bits in the frosting - that reassures me that this is the real thing. 

If you're in LA and want a donut you have to try Randy's Donuts at least once.  You'll probably go back more than once, especially if you like giant glazed donuts or coconut donuts.  

Then there's the photo-opp factor.  

You always need to take a photo.

A newer 'donut' destination is not technically a donut.  Fonuts are actually baked and don't really taste like donuts but they are delicious.  Plus, I am partial to them because my sister (in the orange shoes) took me there when I was having a sad day.

They actually have a sit-down area both inside and outside, which is rare for a donut-joint.  I loved the grey and yellow exterior.

Chorizo Cheddar might change your life.  And, they have a pink donut called Strawberry Buttermilk which is actually like the most perfect miniature strawberry cake.  

 Since my last visit (we went right when it opened) they added passion fruit coconut which I must need to try soon.  I won't compare it to the Passion Fruit at Doughnut Plant, it can be it's own special, little donut-shaped cake.  




These places will have to do until they open up a Gregg's in America.  Oh pink jelly-filled, pink frosted, Pink Jammie, how I miss you.

Dreaming of Sweets

When my sobrinos came to visit

we went on a walking tour to the best places to get all things sugary and sweet.

We started at Mifflin's Saltwater Taffy.

Normally I am not a fan of saltwater taffy

but I am obsessed with the taffy here,

especially the purple huckleberry.

They don't just sell taffy, they have old-time candy too.

Remember this gum?

I think it lost its flavor after 4 seconds

but the packaging is near perfect.

Next up: Main Street.

We passed on the frozen bananas and donuts.

We were tempted because they smelled so good,

but we had to pace ourselves.

Balboa Candy has two locations and we chose the Newport Peninsula one because I wanted chocolate covered honey comb ASAP.

I love the barrels of candy.

I never branch out to the vintage candy they have

but I love looking at the packaging.

We headed to Balboa Pier for dinner at Ruby's

and by dinner I mean the best milkshakes ever.

Sobrinos still had some energy

so I decided we should head to Balboa Island

before the sugar crash hit.

We walked to Marine Av

and passed the original Balboa Candy

and went straight to Too Sweet.

By then, Holi was the only one who could eat more.

We had intentions of getting a famous frozen banana

in honor of Arrested Development

but we were too sick to even move.

Dream Donuts Almost in Mexico

When a friend suggested a donut run I was hesitant.

1. We had JUST gone on a 7-11 run and I had an ice cream sandwich, laffy taffy AND chocolate.
2. I have tried to stop eating donuts because I will eat them until I get sick (my record for a 20 hour day was 16 donuts).
3. It was really hot and eating fried food and wearing tight shorts in the heat did not sound like a good time.
4. Suggested place was a good 15 minute drive away.

I was so wrong.

Peterson's Donut Corner did turn out to be the donut shop of my dreams. (Is it still a shop if you can't enter the establishment - but order and eat outside?)

Delicious, giant donuts made fresh every day.

Plus, did I mention the charming decor?

I was having a real Arrested Development moment there.

Tight shorts were not the best wardrobe choice

but my Brandy Melville tank was perfect.

So baggy. So comfy.

There are so many things I like about this photo.

If the donuts are too rich you can always buy leche o agua

at the market next store.

Here is all the important information:

Escondido, California, gracias por las rosquillas.