Remember the holidays?
I know we’re nineteen days into 2017, but the holidays only happened a few weeks ago. If it were May and I was talking about Christmas, then maybe you could roll your eyes at me. Since it’s not, allow me to continue. For the most part, the holidays were great. The seasonal cheer that was prevalent throughout the world was positively infectious and only a stone cold Grinch couldn’t be penetrated. As much as I enjoyed those special days, family time, and gifts, one of the things I loved the most was the food. You may have noticed that through my holiday eats posts or you could have figured that because you know I have an obsession with food. Looking back on the days of merriment, one of the many Christmas-themed items I truly enjoyed came from Sidecar Doughnuts in Santa Monica.
Visiting the popular donut shop that creates hand-crafted donuts obsessively throughout the day is like walking into Santa’s village. Just being in the space during that time of the year instilled a bit of joy that has lasted with me to the middle of January; maybe to February if I’m lucky. If you’re unsure how that could happen since your holiday bliss has almost completely evaporated, allow me to present Exhibit A, B, C: their donuts.
For this visit, I tried three donuts. The first was the Eggnog ($4). The gluten free donut took Alta Dena eggnog, rum extract, and freshly grated nutmeg. I liked this donut because it was simple yet exuded the holidays. Having a nice glass of eggnog is a traditional way to embrace the Christmas season, having it in a donut is a bit more modern and creative. Being able to walk around with a donut instead of a glass of eggnog is also a lot less messy. The addition of the nutmeg gives the donut a welcome kick making it really feel like you’re sitting by the fireplace—even if it is January.
The second donut, Exhibit B, was Gingerbread ($3.25). Made of molasses, fresh ginger cake and a cane syrup glaze, the donut carried a noticeable level of ginger that would be impossible to miss. It had such a great amount of ginger that the spice hit me the moment it connected with my tongue. I wouldn’t suggest this one if you lean away from dishes that have a zest of ginger, but if you almost run to it like a kid runs to Santa Claus, then this one should be a favorite!
As my holiday exploration through donuts came to a close, the Pear Charlotte ($4) donut was the best way to end it. Bosch pear compote, vanilla cream, and a handful of pomegranate seeds made a beautiful donut. Biting into it, my mouth was given a kaleidoscope of flavors from the juicy pomegranate seeds, the smooth vanilla, the pillow-like dough, and then to the warm pears that sat in the center of the pastry. But as I ate it, there was a component that I didn’t read in the description. It was sweet, salty, and sticky. It took only milliseconds for me to realize there was a sea-salt caramel glaze coating the donut. It was perfection. Even as the donut cooled while I tried more of the other two donuts, the caramel turned into a glass. Not literally of course. The caramel was delicious and ultimately turned the Pear Charlotte into my favorite of the day.
I understand that the holidays are over. Decorations no longer dress homes, commercials aren’t themed around gifts, and people aren’t walking the street caroling. I might be a little glad that last one is done actually. Although the season isn’t as merry as it used to be, thinking about how delightful these three donuts were makes me feel like the holidays weren’t too far away. Thanks to the warm and donuts from Sidecar, I can still hold on to that gingerbread feeling in January.
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you’re making me miss the holidays and all that amazing seasonal food!! i’ve only had the meyer lemon and cinnamon crumble from sidecar (and it was a while ago), so need to go back asap! not sure if you’re ever in costa mesa, but they have an okay sized lot and it’s freeeee parking~
Yes heather you have to go back if it has been that long since you’ve had their donuts. And free parking in costa mesa?!?!? I’m on my wayyyyyy!!!!!
You know why you’re so endearing and awesome? I’ll tell you: reminiscing the holidays within two weeks of it being sort of officially over. I do this too, hahah! I’d be reminiscing on things like the second it’s over. Okay, maybe not a second, give it a day, then I’ll be yapping and it could just be about some cute waiter giving me some extra special attention (in terms of thoughtfulness relating to me being a happy eater, lol) Here in Malaysia, some people are still on vacay mood and prepping for another one as the Lunar New Year is another huge holiday celebration, happening soon on Jan 28th. Getting back to these divine donuts, I really like how each one has distinct flavors that embody the holiday season! And based on your engaging description and mouth-watering photos, I think I personally will love the Gingerbread one because I’m all about that ginger! I drink hot ginger juice no sugar, straight up like a boss to help with the monthly bloat. LOL. <3 xoxo
LOLOL you do it too! See I’m so glad we know each other because we have so much in common! This makes me so happy like you wouldn’t believe, Shanaz! And that’s so cool that Lunar New Year is right around the corner. The celebration is gonna be huge, right? And you drink ginger with no sugar??? *stands and begins to clap* you my dear are a true boss!!
<3
OMG, So My boyfriend and I did a day trip from Oakland to LA last weekend and ran straight into Randys Doughnuts. Now I’m craving donuts every minute of every day; I’ve started an obsession that only more donuts can fill. We are coming back to LA for Valentine’s Day weekend, so we will be stoping by Sidecar Doughnuts and stuff my face with a few of those Pear Charlotte donuts.
Bahahahaha first off you guys are so adventurous, I love it! Going from Norcal to Socal in a day is totally doable but it can be tough at times. You guys must have a lovely relationship to make the trip and rewarding yourselves with donuts sounds perfect! When you guys come back DEFINITELY go here to Sidecar and then stop by a spot called Cookie Good, they’re close and I’ll have a post coming up about the cookie spot!!!
Omg! Love the sprinkles on the Gingerbread Donut. Can’t wait to try these out! Amazing pictures as Always.
xoxo
Ifeoluwa
The sprinkles were such a lovely touch to an already tasty donut. Hope you love em when you get some in person!!
These donuts look incredibly tasty! It makes me hungry!
Hehehe they so delicious, glad they made you hungry too!
Guess what I’m gonna have with my coffee this morning?! lol! They do look incredible those doughnuts though!
XoXo,
Tamara
Hahaha, I love that! Hope yours were incredible too Tamara!
Oh man, these look so good!
They really are, Katherine =]
OMG the Pear Charlotte looks AH_MAZING!
It totally was, Christie!
Danielle, I want you to know that as I sit here and write this comment, my mouth is still helplessly watering. Thanks to you, I will now be thinking of these donuts for the next 3 months! You have one of the coolest food blogs I have ever seen and I’m not just saying that to be nice. One of my dreams is to go on a Californian vacation so when I do, I’ll definitely be using your blog as my food bible. Keep up the amazing writing (and munching!)
xoxo Kate
femmesociety.ca
LOL I love that you’ve given me such a sweet notification, Kate! Your kind words have totally made my day and I hope when you finally come this way to LA you get to have all the great food your heart desires!
I am literally sitting at my computer drooling 😛 >.<
OXOX
annika
Hehe then I’ve done my job, Annika =]