Of Doughnuts, Neighborhoods and the Broadmoor Area of Little Rock

Shipley Do-Nuts on University Avenue

 Ah, let the fat man sing the praises of doughnuts. I shall regale you with epic tales of pastry, coffee and the coming of Shipley Do-Nuts to the Broadmoor neighborhood.

Seriously, it was a bright day when a few weeks ago the Shipley shop opened up just a few blocks east of us on University Avenue. It's nice on Saturday or Sunday morning to be able to dash down there, pick up some donuts and a kolache or two, maybe some coffee and return home for breakfast. The new Shipley is very basic and located in what I think used to be a Captain D's or some other chain. There's a drive through, but I usually like to go in and see the pastry. Most of the staff is Cambodian-American. They're quite friendly. Service is good.

Some people think Shipley is a local or regional chain, but the company actually is Houston-based. Whatever its origins and size, it gives off a strong, local vibe. I prefer it over Krispy Kreme. That's not just because it feels local. It's because the doughnuts there are better. Don't get me wrong, KK makes some damn fine doughnuts. Heck, I've eaten them from time to time on a weekend morning. I'd say that the glazed doughnut you get in a KK is slightly superior to the one at Shipley. However, wait for that doughnut to cool a bit, then it's no better. Wait two hours, and the Krispy Kreme one is definitely inferior — at least that's what my mouth tells me. A Shipley doughnut has a much better shelf life. From the cake doughnut to the yeast or filled, the variety is good. Another thing I like about Shipley v. Krispy Kreme is that Shipley does a good, traditional cake doughnut. KK's is crusted with sugar and far too sweet for my palate. Even that would be OK with me if they still offered me the option of a traditional cake doughnut.

Another selling point for me is the Shipley breakfast sandwiches — kolaches and a variety of egg biscuits. I always feel a little better when there's some meat in my breakfast. It would be nice and Shipley would get more of my money if they offered a larger size of coffee than they currently do. You won't find fancy espresso drinks or cappuccinos there. If that's your thing, then you're probably headed to Starbucks anyway. The coffee is quite drinkable though — a good traditional cuppa joe.

This new store is another nice addition to the Broadmoor area. Some folks are leery of the neighborhood, and it's close proximity to some dodgier areas. I think this is mostly overblown, and I've written about this issue here in the blog before. This time, I do want to mention how wonderfully situated Broadmoor is. It's close to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is even closer if you've got business there or just attending a guest lecture. Shopping is convenient. (Did I mention the new Shipley Do-Nuts?) And we're minutes from downtown. I really dig that. Finally, the people here are great. I have some pretty good neighbors. Here's a minor quibble though, I wish it had sidewalks. There are a few but not nearly as many as there should be. Marlowe and I hate walking in the street.

Rating: Shipley Do-Nuts — A. Broadmoor — A-.

NOTE: I apologize for not blogging for a fortnight. Having a regular job again — thank, God — has played havoc with my work-life balance.