One thing that’s characteristic of almost all native New Yorkers is their inability to recognize “the celebrity.” In fact, they pride themselves on NOT being star-struck, preferring to be aloof rather than impressed.
I’m no where near being considered a native New Yorker, did I mention I was from Jersey?? And yes, I have been known to steal a glance at the local celebrities in my ‘hood. Last summer is was Padama Lakshmi hailing a cab in Murray Hill, last week is was Neil Patrick Harris at The Spotted Pig circa 2 AM indulging in a burger, and today it was Claire Danes at my gym. I was taken by all of the above.
Another thing that I’ve been doing slowly but surely (akin to writing this blog), is exploring the wonderful food spots in Soho. So far, so good. I realize I am spoiled and lucky.
One place in particular sparked my interest because it involved both sweets AND environmentally sustainable food. Yes, my conservative parents are balking at my semi-liberal attitude on all things “green,” but hey, I have my opinions.
I’m not really a huge doughnut fan. I wouldn’t scarf down a krispy kreme if you paid me and the idea of eating a processed Entenmann’s chocolate glazed doughnut remind me of my youth.
But there are THREE occasions when I will under no circumstance turn down a hot fresh doughnut. One, is when it’s home-made. Home-made as in fresh dough, where the doughnuts are made in front of you (either at home, or on the boardwalk my fellow Jersey girls). This includes farmer’s market doughnuts, zeppoles, and Cafe Du Monde.
The second, is when it’s the night, actually early morning, of the Fourth of July (my favorite holiday). I’ve been known to barge into my shore bakery at 4 AM on the walk home from the bar with friends to grab the first powdered sugar cruellers of the holiday. Going to bed covered in powdered sugar isn’t glamorous when you wake up … trust me. But it’s been done, successfully.
And the third is when I stumbled across Doughnut Planet on Grand St. It sounds corny, I know, but trust me there is nothing corny about this. In fact, every ingredient is of the highest quality. No preservatives, artificial flavors trans-fat or eggs. The glazes are made with fresh fruits and roasted nuts. It’s fabulous.
They have both yheast doughnuts and cake doughnuts. The former resembling bread-like doughnuts, and the latter more cake-like. I can’t wait to try and recreate these at home but I don’t think it’ll come close.
Specials change with the seasons, so check it out often!
