#firecakesdonuts

For all of you donut lovers out there, you know that there is a standard criteria for a donut to be beyond satisfactory and well worth the calories and money! All of these gourmet donut places have left me wondering what’s really good about paying a few extra bucks for more fancy sprinkles. After all, some donuts are simply better than others; If I am going to splurge on a sweet treat it better be worth the dang donut!! The texture, the presentation, the flavors, the branding, each play a factor in how we judge donuts for an overall “Donut satisfactory” experience.

Before church I was Seeking something short and sweet, a coffee and a donut. I planned to try the Firecakes Donuts near me at their newest location in Chicago. Nestled beside an infamous house of wings and a quiet side street on north Clarke Street, the overall initial outside appearance is inviting. I could tell when walking in that Firecakes decor is a little nostalgic– teal and yellow accents reminded me of my grandmother’s kitchen. I started hoping for something as good as my grandmother could make! First test, the options and variety of donuts. I scanned the glass looking at 12 different options. It Seemed basic to me until I saw the “maple glazed pineapple and bacon” donut beside the “old fashioned”. I instantly knew I had come to my new donut home.

This place obviously passes the variety test. They have new flavors such as Valhrona chocolate and coffee cream, poppy seed old fashioned , and oldies but goodies like the standard glazed.

Now I wanted to see if the atmosphere was enough to keep me wanting more! Instead of grabbing my donut to run, I felt compelled to sit at a large rustic wooden table with yellow mums centered in a vase. I felt instantly connected to the older man sitting beside me with his pistachio donut– which I was secretly eyeing and wanting a bite of. Sitting at the community table, I was no longer a lonely donut lover grabbing my guilty treat, but I felt like I was truly at home eating my donut alone. I was enjoying the fresh cut flowers, strangers sitting beside me, and some James Bay on the radio playing “when we were on fire” (possibly a secret homage to Firecakes?)

I didn’t want to leave! Thinking to myself, this place would be an awesome date place! A simple coffee and donuts doesn’t suggest commitment, but it does give you something sweet to do.

I give this place an overall satisfactory rating– VERY GOOD DONUTS. Firecakes Donuts mastered the art of selling a gourmet donut that’s worth the money and the calories. Maybe it’s the flowers, maybe it’s the smiling young staff, maybe it’s just that the donuts are freaking good, but I’m definitely going back for another one soon! Tay and Kris– I wonder if this place ships! Let me know if you want to join!!

ciao down!