There are few things I can’t pass up in this world. Guacamole is obviously #1, but just short of that would be God’s other greatest creation: the donut.

Whether you care to spell it doughnut or donut (tomato, tomAHto,) I have had a love affair with this treat long before guacamole ever joined the picture. Every horse show when I was younger prompted an early morning donut, and as I aged I was able to convince my mother of a quick stop at the local bakery on the rare occasion she drove me to school.  I can pass up most sweets – but the donut? Never.

When I lived in Syracuse, my apartment was right down the street from one of Syracuse’s oldest and most beloved bakeries. I made Sunday my Donut Day, and would routinely enjoy a walk to the bakery for a donut and coffee. All that stopped when I moved to DC – and I have been craving a Sunday Donut spot ever since.

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ENTER: The Sugar Shack. My prayers were answered last week when Alexandria’s newest donut shop opened their doors. Located on North Henry street in Old Town, Scott and I stopped in (twice….cough, cough…) for their soft opening. I’ll say two things:

1) The sugar will hit you immediately when you open the door. Heck, you’ll smell as you approach the building from a good mile away.

2) They have THE NICEST staff.

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Forget two things. Let me say more:

– The donuts are some of the best I have ever had. Perhaps THE best.

-The flavors are ongoing and never fixed. Whatever is in the back is created at that moment. Essentially, a donut you like might not even be there ten minutes later, and a brand new concoction will have taken its place. There are no labels on any donut, which allows them constant rotation and exploration.

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– $1.55 for a house donut. In the land of craft cocktails and specialty cupcakes, my jaw hit the floor with such an affordable treat. That just meant I could grab an entire box without feeling guilty.

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And here is the best part: they are fat/calorie/sugar free. Ok, I lie. But I am convinced anything that makes me THAT happy has to be great for me. So, I’ll live in delusion as I drive back for more donuts.

Hours aren’t fully set as they are still getting things settled, but just follow your nose – you’ll know when they’re open. And perhaps I’ll see you next time for Donut Sunday….

Enjoy!

-Al
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