Try Our Donuts...So You Don't Go Nuts

-NoVA correspondent Dogburt

When you think of donuts, you generally think of two places - the timeless Dunkin' Donuts, and the only place that would ever think of combining a donut with a hamburger, Krispy Kreme. For me, I always liked the fact that Dunkin's donuts were solid if unspectacular, and they also had the benefit of decent coffee and other breakfasty type foods. Krispy Kreme's one strength - the glowing sign - meant that magic was about to happen. I recall in my pre-Krispy Kreme life driving through Charlottesville with Mr. Marinara one late night, and we drove by a Krispy Kreme when the sign as lit up. "We're stopping here," said he. "Why?" "Because the sign is lit." "So what? What does that mean?" "It means we are stopping." The discussion ended there, and frankly, what more is there to say?

So recently a small chain came onto my radar known as The Fractured Prune. Originally started in Ocean City, MD, it has now branched out to about 22 locations, with two within reasonable driving distance of my abode. When they finally opened, we were there for the opening pitch.

The interior is small and definitely kid-oriented with a hint of 1950's soda shop. There are murals on the walls and flat screens playing Spongebob. While the limits of seating might compel you to get your order to go, I would urge you to consider at least staying to eat one donut right as it comes off the assembly line, because you can never recapture that sense of fresh wonderment.

Fractured Prune donuts are cake-style (generally speaking there are two types of donuts - yeast-raised and cake). They are small, extremely rich in flavor, and made to order. You will have to wait a little longer than if you just rolled up to Dunkin' Donuts, but the wait is rewarded.

You can select from an assortment of pre-designed donuts, or you can create your own. In our home joint, local radio celebs The Junkies have donuts named after each personality. If I do one thing of substance while I live in VA, I would hope that it garnishes enough public praise to earn the right to name a donut after me.

The types of flavors are everything under the sun, and some things that you would never expect. But each one has its own special place in our hearts, if not our tummies. Even the Plain Jane, no frills donut is crafted well. Light and crisp on the outside, soft and cakey on the inside, it is a stellar compliment to a good cup of Joe and excellent for dunking, as it has both high retention (from the doughy middle) as well as high anti-drip performance (from the crisp outside).

Fractured Prune donuts are a completely different experience from other famed donut eateries. So save yourself from Donut Hell, prepare to be treated well, and consider ordering some salad for later.

Fractured Prune NoVA locations
23520 Overland Drive
Suite 152
Dulles, VA 20166
Phone: (703) 661-5050

3073 Nutley Street
Fairfax, VA 22031
Pan Am Shopping Center
Phone: (703) 280-0415

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Exit question - how rich do you need to be to justify buying your own donut hopper?