Beholed the Donut!

I don't want to make this blog too much about foods that are not that great for you, but I have to take a moment to rave about my favorite donuts.  Krispy Kreme, you say?  Well, when they're hot out of the oven, they're pretty darn good, but we don't have one of those close by (thank goodness).  No, my all time favorite donuts are Carlson's from Carlson's Donuts and Thai Kitchen on West St.  They are some of the best things on the planet.

Most of you have probably had one of these at some point.  They used to carry them at Cravings.  I'm not sure why they made the big donut switch, but my kids (and I) were sorely disappointed the day we walked in and our donut world was turned upside down.  We would go to Cravings every Friday morning before school, get a platter of scrambled eggs with bacon to share and a couple of donuts for dessert.  Then one day, the Carlson's donuts were replaced with another variety, some new pastries, and a selection of fudge.  This was about the same time that the Dunkin' Donuts went in.  I don't know if there was any connection.  We love Cravings, but it's not our goto donut place anymore.

So now when we are in need of a donut hit, I make the drive across Rt. 50 to West St. and bring home a dozen.  You need to get there fairly early.  If you wait until after 8 AM, it can be slim pickings.  They open at 5:30 (after baking donuts through the wee hours of the night), and there's a constant flow of customers all morning.  I meant to take a picture of my dozen this AM, but Laika stepped on the box on the way home and they weren't as nice to look at as usual (though just as good to eat!).  Here's a picture I heisted from the Internet.

The shop is my favorite type of local place - unassuming and friendly with terrific food.  Just a few tables and booths for those who choose to dine in and then the donut counter.  We have never eaten in the restaurant, but we've carried out the Thai food, and it is delicious.  Thai is my favorite type of food (my Dad spent a year in Thailand with the Air Force when I was a kid, and he brought home a love for the food that he passed on to us.  He makes a mean Thai curry!).

The family that owns and runs the place is delightful.  Only the younger generation speaks English well, but the grandma behind the counter is a doll.  She loves to give out free donuts when the occasion arises (I scored a couple on Mother's Day).  I hear if you eat dinner in, they often send customers home with a bag of donuts left over from the morning.

If the mood strikes, head out early, take the Rowe Blvd. exit off of 50, make a right on Taylor Ave., then right onto West St. off of the traffic circle.  Carlson's is on the right a half mile or so down West St.  It's easy to miss, so watch closely.  They also have shops in Edgewater, Glen Burnie and Severn, but I think Annapolis is the only one that has Thai food.  Lovely Thai people at all of them!  Enjoy!

Carlson's Website

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