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5 Best Doughnuts in Los Angeles

    First Posted: 06/03/11 04:17 PM ET   Updated: 08/03/11 06:12 AM ET

No other food blogger in LA talks about doughnuts more than Cathy Chaplin. She founded GastronomyBlog.com in 2006, and while it's a well-known resource for Vietnamese cooking and eating -- Anthony Bourdain famously visited The Lunch Lady in Saigon after reading Chaplin's review -- the thoughtful food blogger cannot stop herself from discussing -- what else? -- but the bliss rendered from perfectly fried dough.

Consider doughnuts the Gastronomer's rapture.

Every year, America celebrates National Doughnut Day on the first Friday in June, and for this fried ā€˜n’ forgiving holiday, Chaplin talks to us about her doughnut love and picks her favorite five in LA. (Story continues after slideshow.)

All photos courtesy of GastronomyBlog.com

Joe's Doughnuts at Animal
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The Gastronomer says: "The trio of poofed-out orbs are served hot from the fryer and drenched in a gooey caramel sauce. The doughnut's impossibly light texture, coupled with the sticky sweet sauce, is the most winning of combinations. Make these a menu mainstay, Vinny and Jon!"
Animal, 435 North Fairfax Avenue, at Oakwood Avenue (323-782-9225 or animalrestaurant.com)
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When did you first fall in love with the doughnut?
I’ve always had a soft spot for fried dough, but didn’t fall head over heels until a trip to Seattle a few years back. My passion was inspired by the folks at Top Pot Doughnuts and Frost Doughnuts. So far, the doughnut to beat is the bacon maple bar at Frost.

"Doughnut" or "Donut"?
Doughnut because the batter is what it's all about.

How many doughnuts can you eat in one sitting?
The most I’ve ever eaten in one sitting is four. Actually, it was more like a "running" than a sitting. It was back in college at the 4xDonut, the greatest foot race in all of the land. Four laps around the track paired with four Dunkin Donuts. Memories for a lifetime. 



On a scale of one to 10, how excited and/or intrigued are you by the forthcoming Fonuts by Waylynn Lucas (the former pastry chef at The Bazaar)?
Let’s say a solid 5.5. I’m stoked that someone in LA is finally stepping up to the plate and opening up a gourmet doughnut shop. However, I have my doubts about doughnuts that are steamed and baked. I can't even begin to explain how silly the concept of "healthy" doughnuts is. What’s wrong with deep-frying? It’s the way God intended doughnuts to be made!

Please list the following in order of highest priority to lowest priority:
A. Eating doughnuts
B. Learning astronomy (your husband's preferred hobby)
C. Eating at the hot new restaurant in LA and blogging about it immediately
D. Cooking savory foods
E. Baking sweets
F. Washing your hair
Answer: A, D, E, F, C, B

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No other food blogger in LA talks about doughnuts more than Cathy Chaplin. She founded GastronomyBlog.com in 2006, and while it's a well-known resource for Vietnamese cooking and eating -- Anthony Bou...
No other food blogger in LA talks about doughnuts more than Cathy Chaplin. She founded GastronomyBlog.com in 2006, and while it's a well-known resource for Vietnamese cooking and eating -- Anthony Bou...
 
 
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
samba2623
I was born hungry
05:02 AM on 06/23/2011
I need to try the strawberry one before I die, alongside caviar.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
danholmes
In the end, it doesn't matter
06:27 PM on 06/15/2011
LA's cool and all but us folks in the North need a plug occasionally in our neighborhood!
I mean CA is hardly RI in size ya know...
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Christopher Hull
Democratic Socialist
03:30 PM on 06/13/2011
Stans is the absolute best!
BahtHarim
Obama 2012
06:31 AM on 06/10/2011
Randy's on Manchester in Inglewood. Look for the giant doughnut.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Max Shaw
My micro-bio is no longer empty.
04:25 PM on 06/08/2011
What?! I want to go to there! That strawberry donut looks absolutely friggin amazing!
11:42 PM on 06/06/2011
Primo's Donuts on Sawtelle at National in west LA - very old school. I recommend the old-fashioned buttermilk donut.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Blackorpheus
the decisive blows are always struck left-handed
12:20 PM on 06/06/2011
I fell in love with D-nuts when I joined the police force. Ain't never looked back.
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bart4u
Concerned Citizen
08:20 AM on 06/06/2011
I am sure they all taste good but we as a nation have to watch our diet. Once in awhile is OK. Americans are just to fat. I have never seen so many fat people when I travel to different cities.
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dblueII
My micro bio is unprintable in this publication.
05:26 PM on 06/04/2011
I cannot for the life of me understand the appeal of red velvet cake/donuts. But I will make a trip to the hinterland for that strawberry thing.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
PlantGod72
Intelligence = wisdom___If only....
11:35 AM on 06/04/2011
I can definitely vouch for Glendora's Donut Man, and their ridiculously over-stuffed, fresh fruit pastries! I discovered them by accident 23 years ago, and have been making an annual pilgramage to visit them ever since, even though I now live 45 miles away. They also have fresh peach filled donuts during the height of peach season.......CRAZY yum!
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
usrnmna
I like to bake.
03:27 AM on 06/04/2011
I want the Joe's doughnuts at Animal!
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
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ChicagoBob
Save the Earth-It's the only planet with chocolate
01:12 AM on 06/04/2011
That's some good looking donuts.

Next time in LA I will try me some, washed down by a Tommy's burger.

The perfect meal.
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
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SarcasticFringehead
Mute Nostril Agony
10:45 PM on 06/03/2011
Stans is definitely great.

I would recommend that place to anyone who likes out of the ordinary donuts.
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VeggieLove
apparently, my micro-bio is empty
06:37 PM on 06/03/2011
Love the Donut Man! I had their donut with fresh peaches and it was delicious.
06:03 PM on 06/03/2011
I loves me some donuts!!!!!!!!