For many years our trips to Portland included a pilgrimage to Voodoo Doughnuts, the originator of crazy doughnuts with pop rocks, kids cereals, and seemingly anything else anyone dared to try. It was always entertaining to see what concoctions were on the current menu along with the old time favorites.
But, my friend Dustin told me about Blue Star Doughnuts that he said was even better! Well, that was enough to put it on our list for a recent trip to Portland. Is it better than Voodoo?
Blue Star was founded in 2012 and currently has six locations in Portland and two in Southern California. Whereas Voodoo Doughnuts is an irreverent take on the doughnut, Blue Star is a gourmet interpretation. Using a brioche base, the dough takes 18 hours to make daily from premium flour, cage-free eggs, hormone-free milk, and European style butter. Some have called them “doughnuts for grown ups”.
I had the Apple Cider Fritter that was moist with a slightly crispy outside and full of apple and cinnamon flavors.
My wife’s Voodoo favorite is their Bacon Maple Bar. Blue Star’s version is a more traditional round doughnut with a more subtle maple flavor.
Below are the Blueberry Bourbon Basil and Meyer Lemon and Key Lime Curd.
Chocolate Almond Ganache and Orxata Glazed:
Blue Star has its share of exotic, if less wacky, flavors compared to Voodoo. If you want a more elevated doughnut experience, be sure to give Blue Star a try. Their coffee is also excellent!
Click here for a list of their locations.
