I am tired this morning. And cranky.
I spent the night before with Yelpers (and Bigfoot) at an Elite event and, as many of you know, nights with Yelpers never end early. I'm sure it has something to do with the fun and mayhem and WHEEEEEEE.... anyway, so this morning I have to get up early for PT and ::gasp!:: exercise before coffee on less than 5 hours of sleep.... (Oh... AND I have PMS!)
Okay, I know, what does all THAT have to do with Honey Dip Donuts... WELLL... here I am in a mood to be a grump all day but I decide a bagel and coffee may help a little so I head towards the so-so best bet in town, Bambini's when I spot Honey Dip on the right out of the corner of my eye.
OH YES! I had been meaning to try this place... so I drive around the drive through but then decide it might be better if I just went in.
Inside is nothing special... It looks like a donut shop, and it's a little run down. Not messy or anything, it's all very clean. But run down.
I'll admit I was surprised about the all-Vietnamese staff (and, presumably, owners). It not the visual you'd associate with a Donut shop but it is a match well made. I place my order slowly (I'm ordering for me and a couple of coworkers) while they run about helping other people.
Me: "Wheat Bagel" (No wheat bagels)
Them: "Oh! We might have made more, let's look in back for you!" (Out comes wheat bagel).
Me: "Chocolate glazed donut" (In the bag!) "Ummm.... Ham, egg, and cheese on a croissant."
As that's being made I look around... uh oh... no Visa/MC signs in sight... no swipe machine.... "Uh... are you guys cash only?" CRAP!!
Yes, cash only. They are too small a business to deal with credit cards, I am informed, but no worries!! "You pay next time."
"Wha?" This has happened only one other time to me, at Vietgrill in Canton, which now leads me to believe that Vietnamese people are the nicest, most trusting folks on the planet. Genetically.
And when I'm all done and have my coffee... one of the gentlemen throws in "something sweet" for me, their signature Honey Dip donut. Nice touch!
Kindness is really the best marketing tool. When no one was looking, I slipped my only dollar and a "You've Been Yelped" card in the tip jar and then promised to come back soon to pay my new-found debt and spend more money.
The service alone makes me inclined to give them five stars, but, as it turns out... so does the food!
The donuts were exactly what donuts should be... Crispy on the outside, soft and cakey in the inside. Oh so good.
But the real star is the breakfast sandwich. Don't expect what you get at Dunkin. This croissant was made on premises. The ham is sliced. The eggs is grilled to order. And then it's all wrapped in foil to keep it hot. This may be the most delicious Ham, Egg, and Cheese on Croissant I have ever had (and, believe me, it's an old standard, so I've tried a lot.)
Lastly, the coffee is New England Coffee... and it tasted fresh brewed and was piping hot.
Did I mention that my total bill is $7.90? No wonder they can't afford to take credit cards!
Go to Honey Dip. Give them plenty of business. And make sure to bring along some cash.
Okay... so I'm still tired. REALLY tired. But I'm a hell of a lot less cranky. read more