Phoenix Area - December, 2018

Donut Bar 

Web Site: https://donutbar.com/
Address: 16205 N Scottsdale Rd #110, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
              
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The Donut Bar is a chain--starting in San Diego and recently opened in Scottsdale.  They have many types of branded donut swag (Tshirts, caps, socks in various styles) and gorgeous, gigantic yeast-style donuts. Truly beautiful.   Ordinarily, I would say a picture is worth a thousand words.  But, unfortunately, the tastes of most Donut Bar treats we sampled did not match the appearance (the Samoa was a worthy exception). Worth an initial trip, but--sad to say, I would not go back. 

MD&C (Masterpiece Donuts and Coffee) 

Web Site: https://masterpiecedonutsandcoffeeplus.com/
Address: 3950 E Indian School Rd Suite 120, Phoenix, AZ 85018
              
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Rather far afield from our hotel in Phoenix, we ventured to MD&C because it seemed like an interesting concept--specialty donuts designed in the artistic sensibilities of famous artists.  There are  the Picasso, the Klimt, Warhol, Michelangelo, Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, Vermeer, Da Vinci,Wyeth, Rembrandt, Pissaro, and Kahlo.  Each did capture the essence of the specific artist for which it was named.  For instance, we sampled the Vermeer which was iced with dark chocolate and adorned with chocolate pearls (remember his painting:  The Girl with the Pearls?). The Michelangelo was classic--cinnamon sugar glazed without any additional flourishes.  Warhol was a bit wilder--chocolate icing with rainbow sprinkles.  The Van Gogh donut captured the artist's wild side--with maple glaze topping and mini M&Ms--drizzled with vanilla. Custom combinations are available as well--but why would you bother when you can partake of the other masterpieces? All donuts at MD&C are cake donuts and freshly made when you order so they are warm with a delicious crunch and melted glaze.  We thoroughly enjoyed this donut emporium, would recommend it, and would definitely consider going back. 

Fractured Prune Doughnuts 

Web Site: https://fracturedprune.com/
Address: 9390 W Hanna Ln B 101, Glendale, AZ 85305
              
Rating: 

A chain with locations throughout Arizona and beyond, we visited the location in Glendale--at least 30 minutes away from my hotel in Phoenix.  Absolutely worth the trip!  All donuts at Fractured Prune (named after Prunella, an enterpreneur in the early 20th century) are cake-style donuts prepared as you wait.  There are many interesting combinations--bacon bomb, blueberry hill, carnival (with colored sprinkles) coffee cake (mocha glaze, graham crackers, and powdered sugar), and many more.  I feasted on Death by Chocolate (chocolate glaze and chocolate sprinkles & cookie crumbs) and my LYFT driver Jerry enjoyed a salted caramel and an OC sand (honey glaze and cinnamon sugar).  Of course, custom combinations are also available.  The difference between Fractured Prune and other "make your donut while you wait" is that Fractured Prune promotes some very delicious combinations--meaning all you have to do is wait to imbibe--without worrying about creating a tasty combination. I would definitely go back!