Having recently arrived in SF from the land of Dunkin Donuts (1) I have to admit that I suffered from mediocre (at best) doughnut fatigue. But I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the large number of independent doughnut shops in the city that bake on the premises.

As a result I’m eating (and very much enjoying) more sweet, fried pastries than my 5’2” frame can probably handle. Then again, if I eat them while walking through the city the calories don’t count, right?

Here’s my snack today: chocolate cake w/chocolate icing from All Star Donuts on Clement St. I’d rate about an 8 out of 10. The icing was fresh, but the doughnut was slightly too dry for my liking, not stale, just not overly moist. From what I’ve read these are good, but not the best in the city–keep in mind, I’m working my way up from tasteless, shortening-laden, stale bricks.

I plan on sampling at least one doughnut each week from varying locations. I’ll try to keep it to one a week, but that’s a promise I simply can’t make.

(1) I find it fitting and amusing that the DD, with their crappy ‘dounuts’ chose Rachael Ray as their spokesperson.

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For those who consider cheese a food group of its own there’s a new destination in Providence–Farmstead Lunch in Downcity. It’s from the same folks who own Farmstead and La Laiterie in Wayland Square.

(Photo: Farmstead Lunch)

They offer a selection of sandwiches, salads, tortas, cured meats, cheeses and baked goods and the entire menu is 100% American made artisanal food. It’s located down the block from last year’s Craftland. Alas, I left Providence for San Francisco before they opened, but it’s on the itinerary the next time I’m back in town.

Farmstead Lunch
225A Westminster Street
Providence, Rhode Island, 02903
www.farmsteadinc.com

hours: Tuesday-Saturday, from 10am-7pm

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I love my new neighborhood in the inner richmond. It’s full of restaurants, shops and plenty of produce stands. There is also a crepe shop — Genki Crepes & Mini Mart. They offer everything from Nutella crepes (above) to beef and cheese crepes. I’m afraid this might become a habit, they are quite tasty, though crisper than the crepes you’d find on the streets of Paris. Besides the crepes there are also two aisles of mostly Japanese candy. Now if only I craved bok choy as much as chocolate I might not develop a weight problem!

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Dinner at the Cherokee restaurant and trading post in Clinton, Oklahoma. A little too much breading for my taste.

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By far the best in Providence come from the Seven Stars Bakery on Hope St. They are perfectly flaky and crisp – not greasy or soggy.

Finished my breakfast with a giant cup of English Breakfast tea I as packed the last of the studio.

Btw, the posts will be sporadic until I’m settled on the west coast.

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