You would never know by the number of times I go through the Dunkin Donuts drive through in a week, but my love affair with donuts ended a while ago. It was no ones fault. We just grew apart. People, and taste buds, can change.
Being from Maine, I still feel obligated to support Dunkin Donuts, so even though I have no interest in donuts anymore, I go there regularly. They have other menu options. They’ve also won my loyalty because they will actually give me an extra-large cup of ice water when I ask for it. I think I pay for the cup, but I’m good with that arrangement especially since I’m relegated to small, sometimes kid sized, cups at most other chains. Having given up soda a few years ago, I need my water to be extra-large.
So, yes to water, but no to donuts. Somewhere along the way, donuts started being a little too sweet for my salt loving taste buds. But, I may have to reconsider my decision on donuts, now that I’ve discovered a much more appealing local option: Maine Potato Donuts from The Holy Donut.
Not being a morning person, my first attempt at getting donuts from The Holy Donut was met with disappointment, as they had already sold out by the time I arrived. It’s a popular destination so you need to get their early for the best selection. Their website recommends arriving before noon, and once they are out of donuts they close for the day.
My failed attempt at donuts had been at their original location on 194 Park Avenue, Portland, but since that unsuccessful visit, they have opened up a second location at 7 Exchange Street, Portland, and during a recent outing to the Old Port we stopped in.
Our timing was not great. It was late afternoon, and they only had a limited selection left. Fortunately, there were enough choices for us to pick out a few favorites this time. We ended up with a set of four donuts including maple, fresh lemon, and two dark chocolate sea salt ones. We brought them home, but they didn’t last until breakfast the next morning, instead we enjoyed them for dessert that evening.
They were delicious, and not overly sweet, with a dense cake like texture. I had the fresh lemon one and would highly recommend it. While we absolutely enjoyed the ones that we had picked, I’m going to try a little harder to get there on the earlier side next time as they have so many amazing flavors listed on their website that I would love to try. If only I were a morning person.
| things to know | |
|---|---|
| The Holy Donut | 194 PARK AVENUE, Portland (207) 874-7774 |
| 7 EXCHANGE STREET, Portland (207) 775-7776 |
|
| Website | The Holy Donut |
| Favorite ♥ | Fresh Lemon Donut |
I’m participating in a Blogging A-Z Challenge for April 2016. I will be posting new content every day except Sundays. Each post is associated with a letter of the alphabet, starting with A and ending with Z. My theme for the challenge is Life in Maine, and each post will in some way relate to Maine. There are over 1500 other bloggers participating in the challenge. Click HERE to learn more.
Weekends in Maine 
Potato doughnut sounds better than the sweet, sugary kind, but if it’s still deep-fried, I think I’d need to avoid them. Have to keep this waistline under control somehow!
Keith Channing A-Zing from http://keithkreates.com
LikeLike
Unfortunately, I think they’re still deep fried. Not in the low calorie category. But, if you ever decide to splurge, they’re worth a try.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love doughnuts! But sadly fried food doesn’t like my gallbladder, so that’s a treat 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, I know. Definitely not an everyday thing. But every now and then… so good.!
LikeLike
Would love to try potato doughnuts once!
LikeLike
You should – they’re really good.
LikeLike
Glazed donuts are especially tempting. I have not had a doughnut in a long time but after reading your post I might just go buy a few. My huge love is ice cream cake. I try to not buy one from the ice cream truck more than bi monthly or if very tempted, one a month. Theirs is tastier and richer than the ones at the supermarket.
Blog: QueendSheena
LikeLike
Yes, I think everything in moderation. I could never give up the foods I love but some things are more occasional treats (like donuts). But, if you are splurging, I’m with you – go for the good stuff! Ice cream cakes are yummy too.
LikeLike
First, I am still trying to get my mind around not getting donuts regularly. This is not something my mind comprehends, though my waistline would probably appreciate it. My waistline is, thankfully, quieter than my mind.
Second, are they really made out of potatoes?
LikeLike
Yes, they’re really made out of potatoes and they have some amazing flavors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, next time I am in Maine, I have something new to try, as I can’t say I have ever had a doughnut made out of a potato!
LikeLike
They’re quite tasty!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not much of a doughnut eater, but potato doughnuts sound very Irish and I’m surprised I haven’t seen them here! 🙂
(Did you see how some of us spell ‘doughnut’ differently to North Americans?)
LikeLike
I love your spelling of “donut”. I had never seen them either until The Holy Donut. I’m not sure how widespread they are but it’s a really great use for a potato!
LikeLike
So glad I found your blog on the Theme Reveal page. Potato donuts? Sounds so far fetched but still yummy, especially the Lemon one! Look forward to the rest of your posts through the challenge. Paula @Lilly2412 From Random Musings and Wanderlust
LikeLike
Who would have thought potatoes and donuts would go so well together? I had never had them either until the Holy Donut. I really loved the texture. So good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can’t escape Dunkin’ Donuts. I live in a small town, and there are three DD’s there!
LikeLike
Isn’t it crazy? They’re everywhere!
LikeLike
I think Mainers have elevated donuts to an art form. It’s also worth noting local chains like Frosty’s and Benoit’s, or the yummy delicious apple orchard variety…
LikeLike
Yes, there are definitely some amazing local chains. Lots of good options!
LikeLike
This post made me hungry — sea salt chocolate donuts sound delicious!
Yvonne
LikeLike
They were really good! All the flavors were excellent.
LikeLike
Love donuts, but not sure if I’ve ever had Maine potato donuts. I’ll have to ask my coworker who’s from Jay, ME. I just visited New Orleans and tried District Donuts – they were amazing! Stopping by from the #AtoZChallenge http://www.jennyrightside.com !
LikeLike
Thanks for visiting. It’s always so great to try local foods when visiting new areas.
LikeLike
Mr. Potato Head is nervous about this strange development.
LikeLike
I understand his concern 🙂
LikeLike
I did not know Dunkin’ Donuts are a Maine company! I have a huge sweet tooth, but donuts are not my first choice. I did make homemade donuts with my big sister once, and the memory of their deliciousness has stayed with me for thirty years. The potato donuts sound wonderful.
I live in the other Portland, but went to college in Vermont. One year my roommate and I went camping in Maine, in Acadia National Park, during spring break. I had a down sleeping bag, but hers was your basic sleepover bag, and she was miserably cold all night. We woke up in the morning to a couple inches of snow. Tossed the tent into the trunk and found a B&B to sleep at the next night! That’s my Maine story. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dunkin Donuts is actually out of Massachusetts but have to support those neighboring states too! Yes, spring break in Maine is still iffy when it comes to camping weather. But, there are some beautiful B&Bs up in that area. Hope you had some time to explore.
I want to visit the “other” Portland someday. It looks like a lot of fun. Every time I google something in Portland, it’s 50-50 whether I get hits for Portland, ME or Portland, OR. There’s nothing worse than finding something I want to do and realizing I’m in the wrong Portland. You guys seem to have a really strong blogging community too.
LikeLike
Ohhh, I LOVE doughnuts! I always say when you die and go to Heaven, you get to eat doughnuts, pizza and ice cream whenever you want it!
There’s a doughnut place in a city about an hour from here called Hurt’s Doughnuts that has these amazing doughnuts. One of my favorites is the German chocolate doughnut. They have cookies and cream doughnuts and ones with cereal on top (too much stuff for me, but still…). They have a maple and bacon one that sounds disgusting. It’s open 24 hours a day/7 days a week, and I hope we NEVER get one where I live or I wouldn’t be able to fit through a door anymore!
LikeLike
Cookies and Cream sounds yummy. That’s my favorite ice cream flavor.
LikeLike
Ok, so I’m in love with maple and perhaps donuts. This place sounds awesome! : )
And I’m willing to try the Fresh Lemon Donut too. No arm twisting necessary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can’t go wrong with maple anything! Holy Donut has some pretty cool flavors. Definitely looking forward to my next trip there so I can check out a few more of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ve had one visit to Maine (from Australia) and your posts are making me wish for more….and some donuts 🙂
LikeLike
Australia is on my travel bucket list. My girlfriend went a few years ago and absolutely loved it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never had a potato donut but if I get up to Maine Ill be looking for them
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re really good with a great texture. Definitely check them out if you get up to Maine.
LikeLiked by 1 person