No matter how you spell it—doughnut or donut—it always spells wonderful to me. I’m openly admitting that I have an excruciatingly soft spot for the golden rings of joy. Me and doughnuts have quite a history, and I don’t see this relationship ending any time soon. Now…99% of these “National (Whatever) Days” are completely worthless and idiotic ploys to get folks to eat something they might not otherwise on any random day. Generally, I pay them no attention. But today, folks…today is something special…NATIONAL DOUGHNUT DAY.
Let’s show a bit of respect for the mighty doughnut. I love them, you love them (though you may not be willing to admit that to yourself or to others). Let’s talk a bit about them. The Central Arkansas doughnut scene is, honestly, a little lacking, but there are still some satisfactory specimens to be found.
For those of you looking for freebies, Thrillist is reporting that Shipley’s, Krispy Kreme, and Dunkin Donuts are offering up free donuts today (read about it here). Of the three, I’d probably go with Shipley’s…Dunkin are generally terrible, and KK are decent but overly sweet and a bit mundane. But you know that there’s more to C. Ark than these three chains. I still hold to Mark’s Donuts in NLR as the best in the area. I miss Early Bird Donuts who closed their doors in SWLR late last year…they did a very nice French cruller. Dale’s Donuts in Benton is worth a drive occasionally, too, and Strawn’s in Bryant will do in a pinch, as well. I’m not a huge fan of Community Bakery’s donuts, generally speaking, but I would recommend their lovely glazed beignet. And if you have not tried them, Silvek’s in the Height’s Kroger does a solid beignet, too.
Anything else you enjoy? There’s a few more around town. It’s Food Feedback Friday, y’all. Let me hear about what I should be eating…even if it’s not doughnuts.