Thursday, February 2, 2012

Philly's Spin On Doughnuts

The City of Brotherly Love isn't normally associated with doughnuts. Philadelphia is the hometown of cheesesteaks and scrapple - not the classic sweet snack. However there's a new bakery in town not only serving them but also pairing the doughnuts with chicken wings! Yes, chicken wings and not the typical cup of coffee are served with them.

New York Times Dining  editor,Pete Wells, got the lucky chance to review Federal Donuts for his Critic's Notebook column yesterday. This newest addition to the Philly eating scene has a wide melange of flavors . These are an inspiration. Flavors are a cinnamon apple walnut mix to a pina colada that is made with fresh pineapple and coconut. There is also a passion fruit one uniquely coated with poppy seeds along with doughnuts infused with lavender and sea salt.  The treats are cake style which , in other bakeries mean leaden lumps of dough. Federal's baker,Michael Solomonov, makes them light and fluffy. Some flavors can be quick fried so diners can eat themwhile they're still hot..

What is unusual is that Federal also serves up a mean basket of fried chicken too, Theirs  has more of a Middle Eastern than Southern vibe. The cook who helps dusts the meat with a dry version of harissa , the North African mix of chilis , garlic and cumin, Another exotic flavor is za'atar, a Middle Eastern blend of herbs and sesame seeds. Of course there are the usual chili garlic and honey ginger for traditionalists. It's a definite departure from the usual donut shop extras like crullers and bear claws.

If you're in Philly, take advantage of this unusual bakery and stop in for both dinner and dessert. You'll not only fall for delicious chicken but for uniquely flavored doughnuts. Federal Donuts puts a new  and extoric spin on an old classic dounut shop.
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