I Think I’m In Love…With a Donut
I’m a happily married man, but after my visit to Donut Island on Thomas Drive and indulging a gourmet donut known as the “Chunky Monkey,” I had to recheck my vows to be sure a relationship with a donut wasn’t considered adultery. Lucky for me, I’m in the clear.
Donut Island is not your typical donut and coffee shop. In fact, established by two navy divers, it is one of the most unique establishments I’ve ever encountered, putting a spin on donuts and breakfast you’ll never see coming.
Two words come to mind when you enter Donut Island; fresh and refreshing. First off, the donuts are the healthiest donuts around. That’s not a misprint. All the donuts are made fresh each morning and have 0% trans fat. That’s only part of it. They do a hot breakfast and lunch as well. I had a Mediterranean Sunrise Wrap for breakfast, egg, feta cheese, spinach, tomato, red bell peppers, onion and oregano, which only costs $3.95 and it was deeelish.
Of course, I didn’t stop there. I also had the tasty and convenient breakfast cup. It’s a cup filled to the brim with layers of cheese grits, eggs, 98% fat-free sausage or turkey bacon and topped with a steaming biscuit. Perfect to take with me, sit in the cup holder and really have breakfast on the go. The breakfast menu consists of huge bagel sandwiches & wraps with the freshest and healthiest ingredients. I spoke with Debbie Johnson, owner and wife to one of the divers. Before Donut Island, she worked as a Pilates Instructor and said, “I spent years telling people to eat healthy and now I’m selling Donuts. I told my husband, if we’re going to do it, let’s do it right. We work hard to make sure we use only the best and healthiest ingredients.” Even down to the coffee, which by the way they have the full spread of cappuccino, latte, mocha, macchiato and espresso, the goods remain consistent as they use all natural Monin flavoring made from natural fruits, nuts, spices, water and sugar. And so you know, Monin syrups do not include any fat or cholesterol.
The lunch sandwiches, which I haven’t tried yet but have every intention on enjoying, have a Gilligan’s Island theme. The Skipper, tuna avocado, lettuce tomato and mayo, I have my eye on. Wrapped, the lunch sandwiches are $4.49 with chips and a pickle. Fruit smoothies, with no added sugar or corn syrup, go for $3.50 – $4.00.
As you’ve noticed, no doubt, I haven’t said anything about the gourmet donuts. Imagine an ice cream sundae, topped with bananas, peanuts, chocolate syrup and whip cream. Salivating? Good. Now, take out the ice cream and replace it with a specially glazed donut. The word you’re looking for is MMMMMMMMMM. What makes Donut Island unlike any other donut place is the gourmet donut, a dreamt-up concoction that will have you running back to tell your friends. The flavors are Chunky Monkey, Paradise Chocolate, The Southerner, Strawberry Shortcake, Island Colada and Banana Split.
Donut Island is located at 912 Thomas Drive across from the Navy Base. You can call in an order at (850) 249-7000. The hours of business are 5:30 am to 2:00PM Mon-Fri. 6:00 – 2:00PM Sat and Sun. If you’re on Thomas Drive, stop in, grab a donut and a breakfast cup. Thank me later.
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