Well I've been meaning to checkout this donut shop located at 379 Grand St. since the summer. I passed by but didn't have time to stop in, but then the owner Mark Isreal was in a Throwdown challenge... More

Well I've been meaning to checkout this donut shop located at 379 Grand St. since the summer. I passed by but didn't have time to stop in, but then the owner Mark Isreal was in a Throwdown challenge with Bobbie Flay and won. Now I really wanted to see what the fuss was all about. I wanted to try the tres lechas donut, but they weren't ready yet. So I tried the plain glazed, jelly filled and cream filled. First of all, $2.00 to $3.00 a donut is pretty steep. It better be pretty good for these prices. Well to say the least, I don't know what all the fuss is all about! Compared to a chain store donut (Dunkin Donuts) you can tell this is definitely fried ( a little greasy) and dense (it must be from the oil). He claims to use natural flavorings in his glaze but it really isn't anything unique. The fillings weren't that much better than your chain store types. If you want something unique try to locate a sour cream donut from Dunkin Donuts. It was about 11/2 the size of a regular donut (that still doesn't justify the price) but it wasn't anything special unless you want some diva attitude from the owner Mark with your donut. Also be very careful, they can't add or take orders correctly. I was overcharged and shorted a donut. They didn't use the register but added it up in their heads, also no receipts were given. My fault for not checking.
Less

Normally I'm not a big doughnut person but there's always an exception to every rule. In this case, Doughnut Plant is where I can't help but give into those doughy treats. When fresh, these... More

Normally I'm not a big doughnut person but there's always an exception to every rule. In this case, Doughnut Plant is where I can't help but give into those doughy treats. When fresh, these doughnuts are so amazingly soft, so amazingly delicious, they practically melt in your mouth. Valrhona chocolate and powdered maple sugar happen to be my favorites but there are many flavors to choose from including seasonal specialties such as roasted chestnut, rose petal, and a Yankee Donut with blueberry pin stripes. Where Dunkin Donuts is the fast food version, Doughnut Plant is gourmet all the way.
Less

This ain't no Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts. This is the place for awe-inspiring, calorically-intense, yeasty wonderful donuts made with top-class ingredients. (For two bucks, they better be good.... More

This ain't no Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts. This is the place for awe-inspiring, calorically-intense, yeasty wonderful donuts made with top-class ingredients. (For two bucks, they better be good. They're good enough to share.) You can also get excellent churros, and, of course, drinks. Doughnut Plant started in the owner's basement, and eventually went aboveground retail. Check it out and see why it's a cult favorite.
Less