Donuts: Keep it simple

A doughnut or donut:  a type of fried dough confectionary or dessert food.

Such a simple name for a treat that many have made so incredibly complicated.  Now, I love fancy complex food as much as the next person, but at the end of the day, some things are best left alone.  Donuts are one of them.

At the suggestion of one of my fellow foodies, Jeff, I thought I'd venture out this Sunday morning to a St. Louis institution, aptly named The Donut Stop.  To say that this tiny little building that looked like a strong wind could blow it over was off my beaten path would be an understatement.

I don't spend a lot of time in South County St. Louis, but each time I do, I notice little details that make our city unique.  Jefferson Barracks Cemetery, Civil War Museum, and VA Halls everywhere it seemed.  And I passed at least 4 signs for BBQ spots advertising pork steak dinners (another St. Louis thing).

So Waze (my handy iPhone GPS app) announces my arrival at this little spot and good thing....would be easy to drive right past.  Not unlike many older spots, the building was nondescript...only accommodates about 6 people at a time.  No real customer line to speak of which got confusing, but everyone was extremely patient and somehow we just worked it out.  When I finally made it to the counter and it was my turn, I understood the patience.  These donuts were well worth the short wait.

The choices were plenty, and all options were cheap.  My choices? Plain cake, glazed, cinnamon twists,  red velvet and chocolate with custard filling.  It's a donut, you say.  What's not to love? Well, if you've had bad, stale, dry ones, you know.

The Donut Stop makes donuts the way they should be:  simple, handcut, fresh, served by little old ladies with hair nets on.  For $9.80 (yes, they take credit cards), I walked out with a dozen donuts and a medium coffee.  The coffee reminded me of law school days....watery, not enough caffeine to knock out a toddler.  Nice that they offer it, but you're better off making your own at home.


So what's the verdict? Next time I happen to be in South County, I would happily visit again.