Toronto Doughnuts: Mini Doughnuts at Little Nicky’s Coffee

Our Homer’s Odyssey into Toronto’s doughnuts continues…

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Do you remember the first time you had Tiny Tom Donuts? I can, it was at CNE and while I haven’t actually been to the Ex in years, there will always be a fairly substantial part of my heart devoted to baby doughnuts that come into the world via conveyor belt. So, imagine my delight when Little Nicky’s set up shop back in 2010 and we all started enjoying their mini doughnuts made bar-top for all to see (and smell). The best seat in the house actually faces the “donut robot” that sends piping hot doughnuts tumbling towards you straight out of the fryer. They’re made to order, tossed in cinnamon sugar and served hot. True to form, Little Nicky’s has bucked the trend of specialty doughnut shops that constantly experiment with new/innovative flavours because sometimes all you want is something simple and perfect to dip in your coffee. If only they had endless batter and longer hours (till 6pm daily and closed Sundays), I might sit by the fryer and fade away like Degas’ absinthe lady. Mini doughnuts are $2.75 for six, $4 for a dozen.

More Toronto Doughnuts: Bake Lab / Benna’s Bakery & Deli / Bonjour Brioche / Caldense Bakery /Glory Hole / Mexi-Can Market / Nova Era Bakery / Paulette’s Original Donuts and Chicken / Venezia Bakery

Little Nicky’s Coffee
375 Queen St. W. | Yelp

Some photos on Fujifilm Pro 160S

I picked up a roll of expired Fuji 160S at the Lomography store about two months ago and finally got it developed! Because it was still winter and I shoot indoors a lot (i.e. eat indoors a lot), I ended up taking those photos at wide open at f1.8 on my 50mm. They’re all a bit soft focused…but I don’t mind the creamy bokeh it yielded though.

Instagrammies: Black & White

First of all, how good is Justin Timberlake’s Suit & Tie? The black and white (or more like black and grey) video is fantastic.

Anyway...let me show you a few things from my past week:

1. Patio season is almost upon us. The Black Bull hasn’t wasted any time.
2. Starbucks interiors are getting more hip by the day. Yes, it’s a giant metal S hanging on exposed brick walls.
3. The white eames chairs at RSquared Cafe are very chic.
4. Just a bit of fun with Leo and friend outside of North of Brooklyn Pizzeria. Again.

You can find me on Instagram under @notpeppermint.

Family meals at Hey Meatball!

We were struggling to think up of some place to eat after work one Saturday. Since we were close to College Street, we ended up trying Hey Meatball! for the first time. While I’m not keen on the meatballs themselves (dense and dry), everything else was pretty good. The polenta was especially nice.

Hey Meatball!
719 College Street | Yelp

Toronto Doughnuts: Polish Doughnuts at Benna’s Bakery & Deli

Our Homer’s Odyssey into Toronto’s doughnuts continues…

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The iconic Granowska’s may have closed down, but those hankering for Polish treats at Roncesvalles can still find pączki (Polish doughnuts) at Benna’s Bakery & Deli. Amidst the jars of pickles, the sauerkraut and kielbasa, and the perogies (those tasty, tasty perogies), you’ll find the spongy doughnuts at Benna’s pastry counter. The traditional filling is a stewed plum jam, but you’ll find other fruits as well.

While these doughnuts are made and bought year-round, pączki are especially enjoyed on Pączki Day, harkening back to a time as far as the 17th century when flour, sugar, butter, and milk were brought to a holy union and fried in lard by Catholic Poles  feasting before Lent. I doubt anyone uses fat for frying today, but the doughnut was definitely rich and sweet, the sort of treat you’ll have before going on a more secular fast.

More Toronto Doughnuts: Bake Lab / Bonjour Brioche / Caldense Bakery /Glory Hole / Mexi-Can Market / Nova Era Bakery / Paulette’s Original Donuts and Chicken /  Venezia Bakery

Benna’s Bakery & Deli
135 Roncesvalles Ave. | Yelp