The Elephant in the Room-Donut Shops

You are reading mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food.  Kirk and ed (from Yuma) are busy with things right now and Cathy is blogging today because she is caught up with things.

You know how when you are told not to do or think something, it turns out the only thing you want to do is dwell about that something-the elephant in the room? Well, almost two years ago, everyone around me seemed to become overly aware of their glucose levels, carbohydrate intake and 'eating healthy'. Ever since then, I went from eating one donut a year to stopping at any place with "Donut" and/or "Bakery" in its signage at least once a week.  This post is a compendium of some of my favorite Donut shops in different parts of San Diego County. 

Let's start in the center - Mira Mesa.

This is the only 'generic' strip mall Donut Shop where I go out of my way to stop - If you've been to Lucky Seafood at the NE corner of Mira Mesa Boulevard at Black Mountain Road, that's where you've seen Donut Stop. It's open from 4:30 a.m. until 10 p.m., in case you have a craving. 

What I really like from here are the whipped cream filled donut holes: Little light puffs of angel breath. They call them 'cream puffs' but the dough is soft, not crispy and they are topped with just a dusting of powdered sugar. The raised glazed donut is an automatic purchase and always nice.  Simple, not crazy sweet and perfect.

Donut Stop 9330 Mira Mesa Blvd San Diego 92126 (858)271-8751

When we head to West to Pacific Beach, Linda's Donuts, on the NW corner of Grand at Lamont, doesn't look very fancy...

It's small inside, but just like Donut Stop, the donuts are constantly being made and there is something ready to eat- even at 10 p.m..

The Boston Creme and French Cruller.  Both here are made perfectly. They are 'normal' sized donuts and the Bavarian is quite heavy with filling.  If I lived closer, the cruller, with its soft layered interior and crispy light exterior, would be my morning ritual.

Linda's Donuts 1888 Grand Avenue San Diego 92109 (619) 274-4004

 Now, heading South-  

All the way in Imperial Beach, at the spot where Palm Avenue turns into Highway 75 (the Silver Strand) at 7th Street.  In your mind's eye, you can see the signage here used to be "Stardust Donuts" "Fresh"... My friend, "caninecologne" introduced me to Stardust -or at least she tried to; they were closed that one day and have random hours, but now when I am in the area, I make an effort to stop here, in case they are open.

The thing to get here is a cinnamon roll.  Again- a 'normal size' with light glaze, not "County Fair" huge with dripping frosting- and a buttermilk stick cake donut are perfect to satisfy your sweet tooth.  

Stardust Donut Shop 698 Hwy 75 Imperial Beach 91932 (619) 424-6200

Heading North on the 15, to Escondido, take the Centre City exit then jump onto Escondido Boulevard to the South West corner of Ninth...

Peterson's Donut Corner.  Open 24/7 (except it's closed from Christmas Day until January 3rd).  Form three lines and you can see the selection walking on the outside of the building, through all the windows... 

 

  

There is outdoor seating and pretty much always a line of people ordering, even in the heat of Summer.

On this day, we got the maple frosted Vienna Kreme, another Cruller and an apple spice cake donut (the flavored cake donuts are different each day).  The Vienna Kreme donut is HUGE as are all the filled donuts here.  There is always a great variety (blueberry...just get something blueberry) and I don't think the kitchen ever closes.

Peterson's Donut Corner 903 S. Escondido Boulevard, Escondido 92025 (760) 745-7774 

 Then there is "my" Donut Shop- the one I can walk to (although walking home is uphill)- also open 24/7 (including Christmas Day).  

Mary's, on the South West block of Mission Gorge Road at Fanita, one block East of the 125...if you've been to Santee, you've seen it.

 There's a small eat in area, the walls are plastered with photos of patrons.

The filled donut holes here are covered in powdered sugar and need coffee to cut the sweetness.  The French Cruller is just light and crispy with an eggy interior and ...perfect. It really is one of my cravings.

Mary's Donuts 9031 Mission Gorge Road Santee 92071 (619) 448-4800

I hope everyone is having a good weekend.  Take some time to enjoy a treat before those New Year Resolutions kick in!

 

 

Comments

[caninecologne]

I love "your" donut shop! Their French crullers are amazing as well as their cream puffs!

Great roundup of donut places!

[Cathy]

Thanks, cc. I like the Donut on the roof architectural detail. Mary's used to be named Zona's Donuts and was owned by the wife-her husband ran the fuel station next door...that main building used to be a drive thru, where you could sit in your car and they'd fill the trunk with your milk and/or beer purchases!

[ken]

At least you haven't succumbed to the Crispy Creme syndrome.

[Cathy]

Fortunately, "my" Krispy Kreme, in El Cajon, closed before I became obsessed with a weekly treat, ken. Otherwise, it may have become a default stop. Merry Christmas!

[Mary]

Mary's is the best! I haven't been to the one in Mira Mesa in a long time, but if they had cruellers I'd be there more often. I finally got to try Stardust a few weeks ago, it was very yummy.

[Cathy]

Hi Mary! I noticed you stop at Mary's quite often and get the crullers...just a perfect snack (and actually only around 20 carbs). I had to try many items at Donut Stop in Mira Mesa to determine their best product and still need to research Stardust to be certain the cinnamon roll is the best item there. Happy New Year!