Showing posts with label 1. Donuts and Desserts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1. Donuts and Desserts. Show all posts

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Blue Star Donuts - On the corner of SW Washington and 13th Ave in Portland, OR

It's conveniently located close to Powell's city of books, south west a few blocks.

In the birthplace of Voodoo Donuts, Blue Star Donuts is making a play for a piece of the market share. Voodoo has made their name using their own brand of quirky shock value that appeals to the not so grown up grownups that live and work in the the City of Roses; of course, their donuts are delicious too. Blue Star is differentiating themselves by spotlighting the fact that they use locally sourced, sustainable ingredients to create unique and exciting combinations for the pleasure of the discerning donut lover. On one wall, a sign reads:

"Our Donuts are made from a classic brioche recipe that originated in the south of France. The dough is made from scratch every day; we start with a certified sustainable bread flour from Shepherds Grain, add Cage Free eggs from Stiebrs Farms, mix in whole milk from Sunshine Dairy, and the fold in a European-style butter from Larsen's Creamery. All the fruits that go into our fillings and glazes are organic, and we only cook our donuts in rice oil. Our donuts are made fresh through out the day."

My experience at Blue Star Donut was exciting and intriguing. I savored each bite as one would nurse a particularly delicious glass of wine accompanying the meal it was designed to partner. I never would have thought that basil had any place in a donut shop; however, I found its role in the Blueberry Bourbon Basil donut to be critical. Basil is a sweet herb, bourbon (approximately 50% of the mash is comprised of corn) is sweet, an blueberries are, of course, sweet as well, and yet all three have a unique kind of sweetness that complement each other in a fascinating way. The blast of goodness that overwhelmed my taste buds was reminiscent of the Death Star, which combines the force of three beams into one mega beam! Only instead of destroying planets, Blue Star uses their power for good, thank heavens.

I feel confident in saying that I would enjoy any donut that comes from Blue Star as much as the Blueberry Bourbon Basil donut, and I would recommend this place confidently to anyone that has even the slightest appreciation for good food.

Price wise, I thought that the Blueberry Bourbon Basil and the Passion Fruit Cocoa Nib were well worth the $2.75 (each). You aren't just buying a donut... you are taking your taste buds to their happy-place.

Yelp

Blue Star Donuts on Urbanspoon




Sunday, August 11, 2013

Salvador's Bakery - On Silverton Rd NE between I-5 and Lancaster in Salem, OR

This is a fantastic place! Everything I have had here has been delicious. Everyone I have recommended it to has enjoyed it. They have a menu you can order off, baked goods (professional celebration cakes, breads, and desserts), groceries, and a carniceria (butcher). Everyone that works here is super nice and very helpful, and the prices are very reasonable.

- The cevice was fresh and packed with flavor
- The tamales were good but you should definitely use salsa on them or they will seem kind of dry
- The tacos were great, especially with the cabbage salsa from the salsa bar
- The tortas came on telera bread and were fantastic. I liked the carnitas more than the barbacoa though
- The Caldo de Res (stew - potato, corn, carrots, corned beef, etc.) comes with rice and tortillas. Break up the tortillas into small pieces and stir them in with the rice, or roll up the tortillas, dip, take a bite, and then a spoonful of caldo. Salvadore's make a delicious bowl of Caldo de Res!!

I definitely recommend this place!!

Yelp

Salvador's Bakery Website

Salvador's Bakery on Urbanspoon






Monday, May 13, 2013

Salt & Straw - On 23rd Ave in Portland, OR

I had the Ox Foie S'mores ice cream. It was the most extraordinary scoop I've ever had, and it was delicious. Foie is liver, which has a buttery smooth-sweet flavor. Mixed with the ice cream and s'mores, this was a great combo.

The staff were all very nice and helpful. The place was very clean and cute. The large windows are great for summertime to let the evening air in. It's a great place to relax with friends.

Yelp

Salt & Straw on Urbanspoon

Monday, April 29, 2013

Serendipity 3 - Near the corner of 3rd Ave and E 60th in Manhattan, NY

I had The Haight-Ashbury (Sliced turkey, tomato, avocado and alfalfa sprouts with melted muenster on raisin pumpernickel with Russian dressing) and it was one of the greatest sandwiches of my life. The food was fresh and the atmosphere was great. I love their menu items, the ingredients are nothing less than fantastic. Too many places offer such limited options. However, this place isn't afraid to be bold with the flavor and they don't over-do any one thing so you can still taste everything.

Yelp

Serendipity 3 Website

Serendipity 3 on Urbanspoon

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Shirley's Homemades Bakery - On Freedom Blvd in Provo, UT

This place has changed a lot, but their baked goods are still delicious. Once upon a time, they had a sandwich area where they would build you a custom for a very reasonable price. The sandwiches were among the best in town. It was a sad day when they were done away with. Their pull-aparts are to die for...

Yelp

Shirley's Homemades on Urbanspoon

Monday, July 2, 2012

VooDoo Doughnut - On the corner of SW Ankeny St. and 3rd Ave. in Portland, OR.

Also at the intersection of NE Sandy Blvd and Davis St. in Portland, OR.

Also on the corner of E Broadway and Willamete St. in Eugene, OR.

VooDoo Doughnut Website

Yelp



Monday, March 12, 2012

Donut-o-ramaFood carts on 9th and Washington to 10th and Alder in Portland, OR

(This place is on the corner of 10th and Alder)


Closed

Most people in Portland would go to Voodoo if they wanted a delicious donut, myself included. However, if you don’t want to wait in the Voodoo line and/or you are already at the 9th and Washington carts, and you want a good donut, this place is a worthwhile stop. They are more expensive than what you will get at a Safeway, but they are also better. I had the Peanut Butter and Jelly donut and it was warm, soft, and delicious.

Yelp