After spying a photo of the Earl Grey and Rose doughnut a few weeks ago, I knew I had to have this delicious item in my life. As someone who will fixate on a food item until they get it the wait certainly felt longer than it was. Finally! Opening day arrived but I was informed by many that the doughnuts were selling out fast; not willing to take the risk of going into the city to be disappointed, we decided to pre-order. Meanwhile glowing reviews were flooding in, spurring jealousy.
One of every single doughnut on the menu was pre-ordered (Well, what can I say but I take my reviews seriously? That seems a good excuse to indulge anyway) to be sampled by a few. Yes even cutting up the cream and jam filled ones to share though that was a pretty bad idea really. Messy. But TWO of the precious earl grey.
Sadly on arrival the order had been mixed up and the Earl Greys were missing! After an extremely stressful week (apologies to the staff) my devastation on the lack of Earl Grey must have been obvious on my face and, clearly not expecting to (nearly) make a customer cry during the first week of opening, wonderful customer service scurried around and offered a few extras if I came back the next day. Colleagues laughing at me not withstanding - well I ended up laughing at myself and the absurdity of the situation.
Returned today and the hallowed Earl Greys were waiting for me just as promised. xoxox thank-you Short Stop for making a distressed customer feel better at the end of a truly awful week, it's these little things that make a difference and I will never forget it.
And now in due course, my review of yes, every single flavour, in the order they appear on the website.
RAISED DOUGHNUTS
Rhubarb and Ginger - This is as close as you'll come to a 'refreshing' doughnut. The ginger flavour is somewhat stronger than the rhubarb, but it lightens the dough and doesn't sit as heavily on the palate as a doughnut usually would.
Cinnamon, Cardamom and Sugar - I had low expectations of this doughnut. I thought, hey, these are pretty pricey pieces of dough, and clearly designed for the hipster-gourmet aesthetic (of which I sometimes join in and sometimes deride, what can I say, I'm kind of fickle). Nonetheless I was pleasantly surprised, it has a good flavour, not overly sweet. I wouldn't come here specifically for this doughnut (as other options are better, in my opinion) but if you were keen on a good coffee and a classic you wouldn't be disappointed.
Apple, Bacon, Honey and Thyme - when I read this on the menu I thought "that will either be terrible or amazing". Well, it wasn't terrible. It's not terribly bacon-y, and the thyme is also very subtle. I liked it but it wasn't a favourite, my partner however was very keen (I mean it contains bacon). It brings the taste to more of a pastry. Maybe a ham croissant or an apple danish. But the savoury element certainly reduces the doughnut-y-ness.
CAKE DOUGHNUTS
Banana and Chocolate Hazelnut - This was one of my favourites. Basically a ring of banana cake with chocolate icing. It was moist and tasty.
Earl Grey and Rose - Finally the coveted earl grey and rose. Firstly, this is the 'prettiest' doughnut, thanks to the rose petals in the icing. I was worried the rose/turkish delight element might be overpowering but it was well balanced. Maybe a little dry, but still one of my favourites. The flavour of the tea makes this a lighter doughnut, that doesn't sit too heavily.
Red Velvet - I have pretty much the same opinion of this as I do of all red velvet products. Basically glorified chocolate cake with red food dye. I liked it a lot, but it was nothing more special than any other chocolate cake (I like them all, really).
FILLED DOUGHNUTS
Peanut Butter and Jam - I've always been a fan of peanut butter with jam. On it's own I find peanut butter too dry. What amazed me about this doughnut, was it's ability to taste like toast rather than doughnut. If you're in the mood for peanut butter you'll enjoy it, and the fresh strawberry jam made in house is fantastic. However, I would caution one thing - don't leave it sitting around all day. The side of the box recommends eating donuts within 3 hours of purchase. That's probably a little overcautious for most of them (the cake donuts, in particular, were perfectly fine later that evening) but the peanut butter one got kind of... well, like those dried out sort of bitter unpleasant crusts on your toast when they've sat out on your plate for too long. Eat this one fresh in house if you can.
Bourbon Creme Brulee - A doughnut for grownups. You can definitely taste the bourbon, although it's not overpowering. Well balanced, lots of cream filling, expect it to spurt out and make a mess when you bite into it. Also better at the fresher end.
CRULLER
Australian Honey and Sea Salt - This doughnut is deep fried. I didn't have high expectations but yet, along with the Earl Grey, this was my favourite. Simple but perfect. Try one. read more