In order to bring you the best possible user experience, this site uses Javascript. If you are seeing this message, it is likely that the Javascript option in your browser is disabled. For optimal viewing of this site, please ensure that Javascript is enabled for your browser.

Food and Wine

Donut Paradise

The Ultimate Deep-Fried Treat

 by Laurel D'Agenais

Donuts. They are our beloved sweet treats on the run. They're a quick breakfast, a guilty pleasure, a workplace snack and a family favorite. There is no beating the delectable taste of deep-fried dough. Whether they're twisted, round or square, these deep-fried snacks keep us reaching for more.

Café Du Monde
New Orleans, LA
Located in the French Quarter on Decatur Street, Café Du Monde is America's oldest donut paradise and the most famous. Since 1862, Café Du Monde has been serving up its French-style, puffy square creations called beignets. How did this French pastry make its way to New Orleans? There are several stories out there, including one that credits the Ursuline Nuns of France for making the beignet a culinary fixture of New Orleans.

Kane's Donuts
Saugus, MA
On Lincoln Avenue in Saugus, MA, you'll find a quaint little donut shop known as Kane's Donuts. At Kane's, everyone is family. Since 1955, Kane's donuts have been made the old-fashioned way -- by hand. Each piece of dough is hand cut then fried in oil. Kane's is also famous for its giant, 32-ounce cinnamon roll. Now that's a breakfast with staying power!

Randy's Donuts
Inglewood, CA
Even in the health-conscious city of Los Angeles, donut lovers still thrive. All you need to look for is a sign -- a 50-foot donut that's as famous as any Hollywood landmark. Randy's Donuts was established in the 1950s and has been a fixture in the community ever since. Located just down the street from Los Angeles International Airport, pilots in the old days used to look for the donut as a cue of when to land their planes.

Spudnut
Richland, WA
If you think potatoes and donuts don't mix -- think again. At Spudnuts, donuts are made from potato flour and then deep-fried to perfection. In addition to the spudnut, they make a traditional cake flour donut called a spuddy. Health-conscious individuals need not despair; Spudnut also makes spuffins -- a healthy, muffin-like treat. Confused yet? No matter what you order, you are bound to enjoy it (just don't call it a "donut").

Voodoo Doughnut
Portland, OR
At Voodoo Doughnut, each donut is magic. From bubble gum to peanut-butter-filled donuts, each donut is bound to cast a spell on your taste buds. Devoted patrons flock to Voodoo Doughnut 24/7 to get their wacky donut fix. What's the most popular item on the menu? According to the owner, the Bacon Maple Bar reigns supreme. It's a combination of pancake, bacon and maple syrup flavor. Would you like some donuts and a wedding? The owners of Voodoo Doughnut are Universal Life ministers. Of course, the donuts and coffee are included in the wedding price

Top Pot Doughnuts
Seattle, WA
If you like to eat your donuts in style, head over to Top Pot Doughnuts in Seattle. The modern architecture coupled with a cool, inviting atmosphere keeps folks coming back for more. Top Pot serves up old-fashioned donuts with a modern flair including the "Pink Feather Boa." The frosting may be pretty, but the donut that outsells them all is Top Pot's plain, old-fashioned donut. Who knew donuts could be so chic?

Doughnut Plant
New York, NY
Nestled within the hustle and bustle of Manhattan is a donut shop like no other. The Doughnut Plant takes donuts to a different level with fillings like pomegranate and meyer lemon. Made from all-natural ingredients, each square-shaped donut is custom-filled to perfection. Next time you are in the Big Apple, take a detour to the Doughnut Plant and sample some of the freshest ingredients ever stuffed into a square of fried dough. 



Toolbox

Italy's Fruit Festival

Italy's "Festival of Forgotten Fruits" harvests the bounty of local farmers who cultivate exotic offerings in the Senio and Santerno river valleys.

Mexico: Bizarre Food

Travelers are in for a surprise as TV host Andrew Zimmern shows you a Mexico that is a true culinary paradise for the adventurous set.

 

TV Shows

Destinations

Ghost Adventures
Ghost Adventures
Watch exclusive online video from “Ghost Adventures” featuring Zak, Nick and Aaron discussing their scariest encounters from each haunted location.
Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern
Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern
Travel with Andrew as he experiences different cultures through their local cuisine, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET.
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations
Anthony Bourdain
Catch Tony's culinary and cultural adventures around the world, Mondays at 10 p.m. ET.

Hot Trips

Cities

Rock 'n Rio
Rock 'n Rio
Discover this fascinating city and its magnificent beaches.

Book Your Trip

Wherever you're going, we can help you get there — and for less.

Search for Deals Now

Air

Type of flight:

Hotel

Search:

Car at airport

Search:

Car in city

Vacation Package



Sign up for the latest news, tips and deals
click here to register your email