SEATTLE — Capitol Hill-based General Porpoise was named one of the "Best Donut Shops in America."
Not bad, after just five months in business.
Regular customers like Daren Brantley aren't surprised.
"Conservatively, (I come in) two to three times a week," he said. "I have a problem."
The sugared-covered filled doughnuts are habit-forming. And while there are never more than six flavors to choose from, customers don't tire of the options.
"Not all the doughnuts are like this," said customer Reem Youssef, who drove to the shop from Snohomish. "They're just really pillowy, and it feels almost like a French pastry."
Their origin is actually London, England, where Seattle chef and restaurateur Renee Erickson first tasted them at St. John Restaurant.
"They are the famous makers of many delicious ingredients, including these doughnuts which I fully copied and then made hopefully a little bit better," Erickson said, smiling.
Every batch is made from scratch, and the dough takes two days to ferment. The jams, custards and curds used for fillings are also made in-house, using local ingredients.
Each doughnut is then assembled, by hand.
"It's the definition of artisan, it does not get more labor intensive than this," said pastry chef Clare Gordon.
The ingredients and attention to detail are reflected in the cost: $3.85 each. But they taste every bit as good as they look.
General Porpoise is located at 10th and Union on Capitol Hill. They're open daily from 7:00 AM– 3:00 PM, and often run out of doughnuts before closing time (so arrive as early as possible!)
General Porpoise has since opened 3 more locations in addition to their original Capitol Hill spot: Amazon Spheres, Pioneer Square, and Laurelhurst.
General Porpoise | Capitol Hill Address: 1020 E. Union St. Seattle, WA 98122 | Phone: 206-900-8770
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