It's blasphemy, I know: I don't like doughnuts. When I admit my secret, the statement garners derisive looks and incensed exclamations; it's probably grounds for a few people to end their friendship with me.
But there's one place slinging the fried treats that has me eating my words __ as well as its delicious doughnuts.
Donut Friend, located on the increasingly popular York Boulevard in Highland Park, Calif., is a music-themed doughnut joint that usually has a line out the door and around the corner of hungry customers clamoring for its vegan delights.
Yes, you read that right: vegan. While some may consider such a thing a sacrilegious scourge on the doughnut world, the vegan-ness of Donut Friend's products is the least interesting thing about them (and least noticeable, taste-wise). The shop __ whose walls are decorated with cheery, colorful murals __ names its pastries after pop, rock and punk bands; punny monikers include Jets to Basil, Stiff Little Butterfingers, Custard Front Drive, Fritter Seems Forever, Yo La Mango, Bacon 182, S'Morrissey, Green Teagan and Sara and Fudgegazi.
For a lighter treat, order the Poppygandhi, a vanilla cake doughnut with lemon glaze and poppy seeds. Or, to indulge, grab a Nutellavision, a traditional doughnut filled with chocolate hazelnut spread and a dash of olive oil and topped with vanilla glaze and sea salt. And don't miss the shop's most popular goody: the Strawberrylab, a traditional doughnut filled with whipped cream and fresh strawberries and topped with chocolate glaze.
Those in the mood to innovate their own concoction can make a DIY doughnut, choosing from chocolate or vanilla cake, glazed or "gluten free-ish" doughnuts; fillings such as (vegan and non-vegan) cream, fruit, jam and non-dairy ice cream; and toppings including candy, nuts, sauces and spices.
No matter your pick, the desserts are sure to fill that doughnut-shaped hole in your heart (and tummy).
