Showing My Big O Face On The Top Of The World Eating Donuts

Joey Box of Donuts

Time To Eat The Donuts!

      I think the entire city is conspiring against me. It's as if the city concocted an elaborate game of Hansel and Gretel and trying to fatten me up. I'm not sure what the end game is, but I'll enjoy the ride. To give you some background, first, the amazing Passion Flour (post coming soon) opens what I think is the first vegan french bakery in the country, perhaps the world. Now, Big O Donuts opens and fills the biggest void for salt lake's ample vegan options. If you're wondering vertical diner tried their hand at donuts with mixed results and the short lived and far away and now defunct station 13 had decent donuts. But I think Murs captured my delight of biting into a Big O donut, "I'm on top of the world eating donuts It's a motherfucking cheat day, so what". I guess my cheat day spread since I couldn't get just one.

Coconut Curry Donut!

I go coo coo for coconut curry!

     I know I've been silent so perhaps you don't remember but I take donuts seriously. From Ronalds, Mighty Os, Dun Wells, Voodoo (post coming soon!), Vegeria, Cinnamon Snail and Donut Friend (post coming soon!). I've been around the country tried just about every vegan donut I can get my mouth around. I even have a semi-regular donut  dealer. I know, I have a problem, but that's the first step, right? Perhaps you have a donut problem as well and I'm just an enabler. If so, you should stop reading now. I'll even put in another photo to give you a chance to abandon, kinda like Grover's "The Monster at the End of the Book". You don't want to read on.

Lemon Basil

Zesty and Basily!

     If you made it congrats, you'll be rewarded because Big O Donuts does not disappoint. But how do they compare to donuts in other cities? Ronald's and Dun Well are the best donuts I've had. Ronald's is the quintessential and best donut in the country. Dun Wells is a close second. What I like about dun well is that they are the new face of donuts experimenting with off the wall flavors. Good thing both are far away from me and my mouth. The problem is Big O donuts are on par with dun wells. Their donuts have a nice and light airy that your teeth can sink into. The smell of whatever oil they are frying is present but not overwhelming. The glazes are a perfect complement to the donut. 

Donut Friends! 

Donuts In The Park! (stolen from their facebook)

     The bad news is that they don't have a physical location yet. However, this seems like a good thing so I don't have to start wearing suspenders to keep my pants up. The good news is that you can find them every Sunday at the People's Market (1050 south 900 West) from 10 am until 2 pm or they sell out. It's right at the International Peace Gardens, which is worth the visit alone, even if England's has a weird bust of Margaret Thatcher.  They're also working to get into local coffee shops and cafes to bring the donuts . Oh and rumor has it they are working on cream and jelly filled varieties. Now some jumping jacks to burn off the donuts you're going to get on Sunday. It's better to plan ahead. I'll leave you some more motivation.

Spiced Chocolate 

Umm, Ginger And Donuts, Will You Marry Me?

Maple Pecan

Who Took A Bite Of My Donut?

The Vegan Mecca: Ronald's Donuts

Joey Bag Of Donuts

The Famous Pink Box!

     Most people have drug dealers. I have a donut dealer. Ronald's Donuts are just that good. And, no, I'm not joking. Just in case law enforcement or more likely the NSA is listening, reading and recording this post, this is just a reenactment. The names and stories have been changed to protect their identities and my source. You'll just have to find your own, though checking under "D" in the classifieds probably won't give you any place to start, assuming the classifieds still exist. The following example may be dramatized for internet audiences. 

    Anyway, the way it works is this. My source let's call them Ronald gives me a heads up when he or she is heading into vegas. I...err...Steve places his order, mainly bear claws, jelly and boston cream donuts. Then, upon the safe and undetected arrival of my the source, Steve arrives in a dark and seedy alley, natural territory, of course, money is covertly exchanged, fist to palm style. Then, I , Steve walks away with a pink box filled with donuts. Later, I might be found stuffing my face with donuts. I meant Steve.

\Jelly Donut

YUM! 

An Attacked Jelly Donut

Three Way Tied For First For The Best Donut!

     The first time, I went to Ronald's Donuts, I had mimicked the one from Wayne's World with throngs of people outside, maybe even a once famous sports star associated with the store. and a rotating donut sign announcing that I have arrived at the place. Driving maybe 10 minutes from the strip, crossing into chinatown and a non-distinct strip mall announced our arrival.  Well, it would take some google mapping and a second and maybe third pass to find it. I was really hoping for that rotating donut sign.

Don't Blink You Might Miss It

   Inside with plain plastic benches with a solo man sipping coffee from a styrofoam cup while reading a newspaper with no one at the counter. Did I mention that there was no rotating donut? After the bell on the door announced our arrival, a sweet lady came out and the special one whispered, "how do you know that they are vegan?" I library whispered that I heard the first two rows (of three) are vegan and the sweet lady, confirmed what I heard and even smiled when I said that. It's like a secret word of mouth of club since zero signs indicate vegan donuts. Not to mention, they don't even have a website! Personally, I'm kinda amazed how awesome this has spread and I would be surprised if a vegan visits Vegas without going to Ronald's Donuts. 

Case of Donuts

PSST!!! Pick From The Top Two

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 I'm not sure how or who discovered Ronald's Donuts, but I'm glad they did. It's the quintessential vegan donut experience. You might be familiar with my donut obsession spanning from coast to coast from NYC's Cinnamon Snail, and NY's highest rated Dunwells, Texas's Vegeria, Seattle's Mighty O's but Ronald's is something special and just might beat out Dunwells, but just barely. But to be fair, I only had Dunwells once and they were without filled donuts! Ronald's does have the advantage of being the first amazing donut I've had. A few months after moving here, local vegans posted they were going, created an online order and came back with dozens of boxes, brimming with donuts. I was one of the lucky ones with a pink box all to my own. Regardless of the possible prejudices towards Ronald's, further investigation is needed and I'm willing. Perhaps, a cross country road trip is needed eating donuts between the two destinations? Shall I consult kickstarter? Tell my boss I have a donut sojourn? I'm willing...

 Tiger Tail!

Chocolate Striped Donut Braid!

    Ronald's is so good, some vegans don't even believe they could be vegan. Vegan website Quarry girl had them tested for eggs and they passed! If that's not a resounding endorsement, I'm not sure what is. I'm not sure why the Ronald's owners decided to make vegan donuts (I've heard religious reasons such as seven day adventists or buddists), but I'm glad they did. My little pup has been passed out from a long walk or daycare upstairs on the bed, but he hears the box open and runs downstairs to make sure he gets some. Yup, like father like son! 

Famous Pink Box

Ronald's Has Tiffany's Beat!

     Now until my  Steve's next batch comes in. I have the shakes just thinking about donuts to come. Regardless of how you get them, make sure you visit once or twice. Once you get into Vegas and refill before you leave! And don't forget the rest of us!

Bear Claw

Move Over Yogi!

Boston Cream

Wonder What's Inside?

Boston Cream Revealed

Mystery Solved!

Peanut Butter Nut Dohicky

I might get my donut card removed, but I can't recall the technical name

Cherry Strudel

Yet another mystery donut, though perhaps it's a pastry!

Where Do The Holes Go?

Even Donut Holes Need Love!

Donut Holes

We left a tip and we were rewarded with some free donut holes!

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If I Was A Dinosaur, I Would Be A Donutosaurus!

Chocolate Glazed with Jimmes!

There Is No Such Thing As "Spinkles" Period.

     It's true. Not only do I have a mouth filled with sweet teeth, but I have a donut affliction. If I see a donut, I must eat it. Consider me a sommelier of vegan donuts or if we were back in the mesozoic era a donutosaurus. If you doubt my donut worthyness, check out my credentials. I've written about Seattle's award winning Mighty O's, San Antonio's Vegeria, and New York's Cinnamon Snail. If there's a vegan donut, I've had it.  Sadly, I've had Allentown's Vegan Treats and Las Vegas's famed Ronald's Donuts, but without documentation. So, you're just have to trust me. Well, I had them all except for Portland's Voodoo Donuts. Anyone want to fund a fact finding mission to Portland so I can complete my training? Anyone? I do take deliveries as well, just in case you're wondering.

Dun-Well's Donut Case

Donuts Galore!

     I know I'm starting out with Chocolate Glazed with Jimmies. Normally, I don't like holey donuts. I mean donuts are so good why waste any space with nothing? Let's eat more donut with stuff inside. However, that's how good Brooklyn's Dun-Well Donuts are. I mean they went head to head with traditional donuteries and New York Daily News voted them the best donut shop in the entire city. That just impressive. And continues the trend of vegan bakeries beating traditional ones. Chef Chloe, Sticky Fingers, Mighty O, and Cakewalk have all bested traditional bakeries to take home prizes from Cupcake Wars to Salt Lake City Weekly. It's not just baking, but grilling, too. Vegans took home prizes in a grilled cheese competition. 

Jelly Donut

A Donut Complete!

     Right as we were ordering, the person in front got that last peanut butter and jelly donut. I was flabbergasted. That was the donut my host Brett @veganbrew.com recommended. So I had to settle for the jelly donut, which I thought was going to be the best, especially since the jelly is some local made jam that I can't recall. But I kept coming back to the chocolate glazed. It had this buttery flavor and the chocolate was subtle enough to not overpower everything else. Plus, it had jimmies on it. Don't believe the lies, there is no such thing called a "sprinkle".Jimmies make everything better.

Lemon Lavender

Kriss Kross Donuts Will Make You Jump!

     For my third donut, I went with lemon lavender which had this perfect clean lemon taste with a burst of lavender. You wanna know their secret? It's in the criss-cross glaze. It'll make you jump! Jump! What's even cooler then they're glaze layering technique is the atmosphere.

 Dun-Well Inside

Cool Retro Feel

     Dun-Well Facade

     Walking into Dun-Well's is like taking a time machine to the 1950's. Well, not that I know, but it's how I imagine it would be. The inside has this cool retro feel, much like Lula's. Tea hanging in clear jars and vintage posters lining the wall make up the interior. Even the shop workers wear bow-ties!. To top everything off, they serve the donuts to stay on these cool wooden coasters. Oh, and even better they're right across the street of the Montrose L train station. 

Wooden Coasters

I Can't Confirm Or Deny That There Was A Donut Here!

Donut On  A Wooden Coaster

There May Or May Not Have Been A Jelly Donut On This As Well!

     I washed them down with some delicious iced coffee and we were off to see the king of late night himself, David Letterman with Florence and The Machine as the musical guest! The only thing that I'm sad about is that they do serve Lula's ice cream. As if that's not enough they make a donut sundae. Yup, that's right, a donut sundae. I'm just disappointed in myself for not getting one. I'm sorry to let you down, too. But cheer up, there's also next time, right? 

Making Donuts Disappear!

Caught Powder Handed! There's No Denying It!

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Don't Mess With Vegeria!

Where The Stars Are Bright: Vegeria San Antonio's First All-Vegan Restaurant



One Of The Coolest Logos For A Resturant That I've Been To!

      Nestled next to a religious book store is San Antonio's newest gem, Vegeria. I bet you're wondering how to pronounce their name? While the gringo in me can't roll my "r"s enough for a proper pronouncation or replacing the "G" sound for an "H", I go for the "Veg" followed by "eria". Feel free to be more authentic than me. The name is derived from a spanish designation, Ie panderia, would mean a place where bread is made or a bakery. So Vegeria litterally means a place where vegetables are made, which just make the place cooler in my book, extra points for a creative name!

      Serving Tex-Mex and American cusisine, along with delectable desserts and raw food items, Vegeria has just a small sign outside to indicate it's presence, but don't be fooled into overlooking this resturant. Luckily, I had my mom guide me, who has being a regular since it's opening in August. Thanks, Mom!
     On this visit, we decided to try out the burnch because of a magic word: donuts! Yup, that's right Vegeria makes homemade donuts just on Saturdays. This donuts might be the best since going to Las Vegas's Ronald's Donuts! While we were eating, someone came in just to order a couple!

Boston Cream Donuts!

Move Over Dunkin' Donuts! This was pure perfection!



      While I was hoping for a more brunchy menu, I was happy to see the donuts fully stocked when we arrvied! My mom said she never got there early enough to get one so this was a big deal. We actually ordered the donuts and cinnamon rolls first. That's just how you roll in Texas! With that out of the way, we focued on the entrees. I had to go with the portbello cheese steak, on the recommendation of my mom.

Portobello Cheese Steak

One Of The Most Reasonable Resturants I've Been To. This Was $7.75!



       While I generally prefer a more seitan or tempeh cheese steak, the portobellos were perfect with char grilled onions and pepers. Yup, the usually onion averse even enjoyed the onions! The best part, minus the donuts, is that you get to pick your side from a list of about five that included coconut cilantro rice, chips and others I forgot. Being in Texas, I went for the Mexican brown rice, which was decent but needed some more spiciness. Keeping true to their name, Vegeria serves all the sandwiches with a side salad. Oh, and they make their own cheese sauce which was divine, but not nearly as good as that barbeque sauce on the portobello sub, which might be the best that I ever tasted. Yup, it's that good.

BBQ Portobello Sandwich

You Have To Taste This BBQ Sauce!

      The spinach queso nachos were the special of the day and woah man was it special. The spinach added the perfect balanace to the cheese. My own complaint is that we only got to go once! I still need to try the tamales and the smoked mushroom sandwich. Yes, I make a mental checklist of things I want to try! At least we took some dessert sampling to try later, we walked away with a cinnimon rolsl and fiesta cookies, which were chocolate chip cookies with what I think were corn chips inside, an interesting combination! Another mental note: make sure to go back for dinner since it's BYOB! And let me tell you, some good beers make it to Texas!

Spinach Queso Nachos

Almost Too Pretty To Eat!

Cinnamon Roll

Raisen And Nut Filled, Too!

Fiesta Cookies

Spot The Corn Chips?!

Taking A Bite Outta A Donut

Perhaps, The Best Donut I've Had Since Ronald's!

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Show Me Your "O" Face.

Mighty O's Comes to Salt Lake

Do-nut Pass Go! Collect All Five Donuts Before Proceeding

     Well, I was all proud of myself for not only walking down the potato chip aisle at Whole Foods while hungry, but not even buying a single bag. I've written before of my addiction to Kettle Chips Jalapeno Potato Chips so I felt like I was making progress. But then after leaving the kombucha bar (my other got infected so it's been store bought from me until I get another mother so if anyone is reading and has one, let me know!), I spied these out of the corner of my eyes. Vegan Donuts from Mighty Os!!!

Time To Make The Donuts

Donuts As Far As The Eye Can See!

    Since I'm being honest with my addictions, I'm quite the donut connoisseur so much so that I've debated about buying a deep fryer just to make these dreamy confections. Admitting you have a problem is the first step right? Luckily, I can postpone the purchase of another kitchen gadget, at least for now. Seriously, I can tell you almost every time I've had a vegan donut. When I first moved here I got a delivery of a dozen of Ronald's Donuts from kind Vegas bound folks. My ears still perk up anytime someone mentions that they're headed to Vegas. During sojourns back to the City of Brotherly Love, I was lucky enough to track down the ever elusive Vegan Treats Boston Creme donuts at Govindas and now at my favorite coffee shop Grindcore House. Oh, and have I mentioned that I mail ordered donuts from veganessentials and pangea? I even had a friend on vacation try to send me some Voodoo Donuts. I told you I wasn't lying.

Death by Chocolate: Chocolate Glazed Chocolate Donut

Just Need A Glass Of Soy Milk!

      I already wrote about my obsession with three Aberdeen troubadours, but my love affair with the city lives on with Mighty Os Donuts. This Seattle based bakery has been winning accolades from being rated by Bon Appetit Magazine as the one of the best donut shops in the country to their top prize on the Food Network's Challenge: Donut Champions. (The third vegan baker to beat out traditional bakers. See Chef Chloe and Sticky Fingers). These aren't just donuts, but award winning donuts! So I needed to break out the scientific research and try one of each flavor, right? I'm doing this for you, my readers, not to quiet my sweet tooth. I swear. In the interest of full disclosure, I was lucky enough to sample two donuts a year ago that Larayn from Union Street (Check out their new location!) shared with me. Thanks, Larayn!

Freedom Donut: French Toast

It Tasted Like Freedom Via La French!

      The results were outstanding! It's hard to decide my favorite either the French Toast or the Raspberry Glazed. Maybe some more research is needed. Perhaps one day, they'll branch out from the holed donuts to stuffed donuts like Jelly and Boston Creme. If you're reading Mighty-O, I'm willing to taste these.  I do have a bone to pick with you though, although you use organic ingredients and are vegan, you top the donuts with "sprinkles" and say so on your website. Please note sprinkles come from fairies and stars, instead it should be renamed Donut with JIMMIES. There is no debate on this. I'll move on.

 Berry Berry Happy: Raspberry Glazed

Tied For Best In Show With The French Toast

        As far as I know, these donuts are available throughout the Valley, but I purchased mine at the Trolley Square Whole Foods. I'm waiting to hear back from Whole Foods, if they're offered nationwide. I'll keep you posted. And a big thanks to Kelly/Cakewalk for the hot tip on the donuts! Otherwise, I might have never of known and kept bugging for Cakewalk to make donuts, not that I'm stopping, but at least I'm distracted.         

Plain Ole Glazed

Like A Bear Claw, But Round With A Hole In The Middle

Chocolate Glazed Donut

          I'm Going Down In A Glaze Of  (Chocolate) Glory! 

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