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Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Three doughnut shops in Florida rank among best in the US. Why fans love them
Florida is home to some of the best places for doughnuts — including a 'cult favorite' that piles on the toppings, a new report finds. The three Florida doughnut shops now rank among the nation's top places to eat the sweet treats. Here's where they landed on the list from the review website Yelp: DG Doughnuts in Ocoee at No. 16Donut King in Minneola at No. 34Hole in One Donut in Tampa at No. 41 To determine the top 50 U.S. doughnut shops, Yelp said it studied ratings, reviews and photos that customers posted on its website over time. The feedback came from Elite users, who are active on the platform. The rankings were published in mid-May, before the beloved treat will be recognized on National Doughnut Day. While this year's celebration falls on June 6, fans have raved about the Florida doughnut shops throughout the seasons. Why fans love the Florida doughnut shops Of the Florida shops that received recognition for sweets, DG Doughnuts ranked the highest at No. 16. The Yelp page for the business in Ocoee, west of downtown Orlando, said it offers desserts decorated by hand in small batches. 'DG Doughnuts is a pop-up turned cult favorite, known for its bold flavors and creative flair,' Yelp wrote in its report. 'Their doughnuts are fluffy, generously topped, and often infused with local ingredients and seasonal surprises.' The bakery's online menu includes 'classic doughnuts' covered in sprinkles, cinnamon sugar and other staples. Then there are the 'fancy doughnuts,' including toffee coffee and banana cream pie flavors. On Yelp, customers raved about the range of choices at the shop, helping it earn 4.7 out of 5 stars. Also in the Orlando area, Donut King landed at No. 34 on the list. The maple bacon and Boston cream doughnuts are among the most popular on the business' Yelp page. 'Donut King is a Central Florida favorite where the donuts are big, bold, and bursting with flavor,' the review website wrote in its report. 'From classic glazed to outrageous cereal-topped creations, there's something for every craving.' While Donut King has three locations, the Minneola shop was the one that received national recognition. People took to Yelp to praise the freshness of the doughnuts, and others loved the savory menu items. The business on its website said it sells fan-favorite burgers along with New Orleans-inspired dishes, such as gumbo. Rounding out the list of top-notch places in the Sunshine State was Hole in One Donut in Tampa. On Yelp, fans said they loved the customer service and welcoming atmosphere at the No. 41-ranked spot. 'Hole in One Donut is the kind of old-school shop where the donuts are made fresh daily and served with a smile,' the website wrote in its report. 'Their apple fritters are legendary — crispy on the outside, soft and spiced within.' Across the country, Yelp said the No. 1 place to eat doughnuts was Novel Ice Cream in Phoenix.
Time Out
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Downtown Alliance kicks off free lunchtime concert series at Oculus Plaza next week
Lower Manhattan's lunch crowd is getting a serious upgrade next week. Starting on Wednesday, June 4, the Downtown Alliance is reviving its "Art Is All Around" performance series with six weeks of free midday concerts designed to turn your typical lunch break into a full-on vibe. Every Wednesday at noon through July 9, a new act will take over either the World Trade Center's North Oculus Plaza or 140 Broadway, bringing everything from salsa to soul, swing to funk. The series, programmed by acclaimed jazz vocalist and producer Svetlana Shmulyian, blends live music with professional dance performances—think tap, cha-cha-cha and modern jazz, all unfolding in the middle of the Financial District. The opening show on June 4 features Lulada Club, a powerhouse group specializing in vintage tropical rhythms like bolero and salsa, reimagined for modern audiences. They'll be followed the next week by Svetlana herself and the New York Collective, whose interactive jazz performance includes both audience participation and live tap dancing by Lisa La Touche. The third concert on June 18 brings the party courtesy of Norman Edwards Jr. and his band SpinKicK, with infectious grooves inspired by Jamiroquai and Prince, and dancer Michela Marino Lerman helping bring it all to life. After that, the series shifts to 140 Broadway. Highlights include Ginita y La Orquesta Esa's Latin jazz set on June 25, a high-energy New Orleans-inspired show from Alphonso Horne and His Gotham Kings on July 2 and a rousing finale on July 9 featuring trumpeter Wayne Tucker and the Bad Mothas, joined by dancer Bianca Delli Priscoli. 'Whether you're taking a lunch break from the office or out exploring the neighborhood, these performances are an energizing and uplifting way to enjoy summer in the city,' said Downtown Alliance President Jessica Lappin. The concert series is part of the Alliance's larger "Art Is All Around" initiative, which brings public art and performances to the streets of Lower Manhattan. No tickets are required, and all performances are free—just show up and enjoy the show. With this much rhythm packed into an hour, don't be surprised if your casual lunch run turns into a full-on dance break.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Minnesota restaurant openings & closings for May 2025
Lakeside dining with coastal flair on Lake Minnetonka, a small town's first brewpub and a Japanese restaurant serving eye-catching street food are among the newest dining attractions in Minnesota. Here's a round-up of the latest restaurant openings and closings across the state: Cabana Anna's (4165 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park): Guests are invited to "unwind and dine" at the coastal-inspired restaurant inside the brand new Shoreline Hotel on Lake Minnetonka. Cabana Anna's serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch and promises a blend of Floridian coastal cuisine and the beloved comforts of Minnesota. Chipotle (15180 Bluebird Street Northwest, Andover and 135 Allen Avenue, Owatonna): Minnesota gained two new Chipotle restaurants in May and both feature a drive-through. Read more here. The Block Food + Drink (21400 John Milless Drive, Rogers): Craft & Crew Hospitality's newest restaurant serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Guests can enjoy a dog-friendly patio and an outdoor bar and sand volleyball courts are coming soon. Egg on a Roll (945 Northeast Broadway, Minneapolis): Chef/owner Adam Bresina opened Minneapolis' third Egg on a Roll location this month, next to Spyhouse in northeast Minneapolis. The bodega-style egg sandwich shop began as a food counter in the North Loop, where the concept initially gained acclaimed. Golden Thyme Restaurant & Bar (934 Selby Avenue, St. Paul): A Rondo neighborhood business legacy lives on at a new restaurant and bar on Selby Avenue. The menu at Golden Thyme features a catfish po'boy, jambalaya linguine, tater tot gumbo and other New Orleans-inspired fare, as well as desserts such as sweet potato brulee and Kentucky butter cake. Read more here. Hope Breakfast Bar (10950 Club West Parkway Northeast, Blaine): Hope Breakfast Bar opened in Blaine on May 19 and the restaurant is continuing its expansion across the Twin Cities. The brunch destination, which serves piña colada French toast, carrot cake pancakes, red velvet waffles and other Instagram-worthy breakfast and lunch fare, is headed to Chanhassen next. Koronis Brewing Company (511 Highway 55, Paynesville): Paynesville's first brewery celebrated its soft opening this month, offering locals a new place to relax after a day out on Lake Koronis. The brew pub's official opening is set for June 1, with grand opening festivities scheduled for June 6-8. La Michoacana (14638 Cedar Avenue, Suite 100A, Apple Valley and 2329 Lavender Parkway, Suite 400, Owatonna): Macarons by Maddie Lu (326 West Broadway, Bloomington): The French macaron shop has returned to Mall of America after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. Fresh cannoli, jumbo cake pops and dirty sodas have been added to the menu. Read more here. Maruichi Udon (13000 Technology Driver, Suite 120, Eden Prairie): A new, made-to-order Japanese noodles and tempura restaurant is now open near the Asia Mall. In addition to udon noodle soups, Maruichi Udon offers a range of Japanese street food. Sonny Bar & Restaurant (114 Jefferson Street South, Wadena): Small town Wadena has gained a new spot for Asian cuisine and late-night drinks. The menu includes a range of beef noodle soup dishes, dumplings and egg rolls, lo mein and more. The bar is open daily until 2 a.m. Thai-riffic (1217 2nd Street Southwest, Rochester): A new, fast-causal Thai restaurant opened across from Mayo Clinic's Saint Marys Hospital this month. The menu features a variety of curry dishes, soups, egg rolls and other Thai cuisine, with mild, medium or "fire" levels of spice offered with some dishes. Mango sticky rice, a traditional dessert, is currently available while mangoes are in season. Waddup Dough (2700 39th Avenue Northeast, St. Anthony): Colorful donuts and boba drinks, both infused with ice cream, are the focus of a new dessert shop in St. Anthony. Wingstop (7455 Currell Boulevard, Woodbury):Wingstop's newest Twin Cities location is now open in Woodbury. The Texas-based chain specializes in cooked-to-order chicken wings (classic or boneless) and also offers chicken tenders, sandwiches, hand-cut fries and more. Apostle Supper Club (253 Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul): The tiki-themed restaurant is closing after May 31, with chef/owner Brian Ingram blaming the general decline of downtown St. Paul as a reason for closure, though his comments have since received pushback. Read more here. Burning Brothers Brewing (1750 Thomas Ave. W., St. Paul): Minnesota's pioneering gluten-free brewery closed on May 10 after more than a decade in business. Read more here.' Chip's Clubhouse (272 Snelling Ave., St. Paul): The American pub closed abruptly at the start of May, with a note on its door thanking patrons for their business over the years. Read more here. Falastin (4721 East Superior Street, Duluth): A Palestinian deli in Duluth closed its doors permanently this month after one year in business. In announcing the closure, the owners said the decision to close arrived "after much consideration and reflection on this current chapter of Falastin, and the determination to carve out a sustainable and purposeful future for ourselves, our family, and the community that we share in." Read more here. Lagniappe and Du Nord Cocktail Room (2700 East Lake Street, Minneapolis): The New Orleans-style restaurant and attached cocktail bar is closing on May 31 after less than a year in business. Read more here. Maverick's Wood Grill and Bar (11328 W. River Rd., Champlin): The neighborhood eatery is closing on May 31 after 18 years in business. The restaurant's managers are planning to open a new concept elsewhere, while the owners are looking for buyers to take over the spot. Read more here. North Loop Galley (729 Washington Avenue, Suite 102, Minneapolis): North Loop Galley closed this month after nearly six years in business. The food hall's four tenants at the time of the closure were Good Boy, Wrecktangle Pizza, Ono Hawaiian Plates and Ramen Kawae. Read more here.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lagniappe and the Du Nord Cocktail Room closing less than a year after opening
Lagniappe and Du Nord Cocktail Room, the restaurant and bar from the owners of Du Nord Social Spirits, will close permanently on May 31. The company announced the closure on Friday. Owners Shanelle and Chris Montana brought the New Orleans-inspired restaurants to the restored Coliseum Building in the East Lake neighborhood, hoping to be part of a revitalization. Lagniappe focused on fine dining with New Orleans flair, led by Chef Isaiah Durand. Meanwhile, the Du Nord Cocktail Room dished up a menu of po'boys accompanied by a burger, fried oysters, boudin balls, turtle soup, and gumbo, among other dishes. "This isn't the outcome we hoped for," the company wrote on social media. "Rebuilding on this stretch of Lake Street came with real challenges, and we met them with everything we had. We set out to create something beautiful – spaces that captured the soul of New Orleans, the heart of South Minneapolis, and a shared vision for a more equitable future." The stretch of Lake Street to which the restaurant refers is the area near the former Minneapolis Police Department's 3rd Precinct, which sustained significant damage during the civil unrest of 2020. While the restaurants will have their final service at the end of next week, the company says its "commitment to this community remains." Du Nord Social Spirits and the Du Nord Foundation will continue to operate. Additionally, the second installment of Du Nord's food and music festival, Krewe Du Nord, will still take place on June 21. It's a free, all-ages festival inspired by New Orleans' music and cuisine. "We are deeply grateful to everyone who dined with us, raised a glass with us, celebrated with us, and showed up for us," the restaurant says.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Golden Thyme returns to St. Paul's Rondo as a New Orleans-inspired restaurant
St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood is welcoming a new restaurant with an old legacy. Golden Thyme Restaurant & Bar opened its doors at 934 Selby Ave. on Tuesday. It continues the neighborhood legacy of the Golden Thyme name with a New Orleans-inspired menu. The restaurant is part of what the Rondo Community Land Trust (CLT) calls "a growing family of businesses" that includes the Golden Thyme Coffee Café at 856 Selby Ave. and aims to build "a dynamic entertainment and hospitality corridor" along Selby between Lexington and Dale Streets. The first iteration of the Golden Thyme name came as a coffee shop and cafe launched by Mychael and Stephanie Wright in 2000, helping kickstart the revitalization of a long-neglected stretch of Selby Avenue. The Wrights retired in 2023 and handed control of the site to the Rondo CLT, the Star Tribune reports, who set about finding a new operator and concept for the site. A plan to open a restaurant with former "Top Chef" contestant Justin Sutherland fell by the wayside following his conviction for making violent threats, with the CLT then engaging Twin Cities restaurateur Randy Norman (Seven Sushi, Norman's Steakhouse). His new Golden Thyme Restaurant and Bar is heavy on New Orleans and southern classics like shrimp and grits and mac and cheese, with table seating for 45 and space for another 17 at the bar. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will begin Sunday brunch service on June 8. 'Golden Thyme represents the resilience and vision of this community,' said Mikeya Griffin, Executive Director of Rondo Community Land Trust (CLT), which owns and operates the restaurant. "It's not just about bringing back a beloved name, it's about creating new opportunities for local businesses, celebrating our culture, and building a future that honors Rondo's legacy. This project shows what's possible when investment stays rooted in the community.'
