Portland is a quirky town. They also suffer a bit from an inferiority complex with Seattle to the north and San Francisco to the south. When we get a taste of fame, our town can squeeze it for all it is worth. A few years ago, Voodoo Donut got featured on a Travel Channel episode. Feel free to check it out by clicking the link if you would like.
The thing about VooDoo is that they offer what (when they first began) are a variety of odd and unique donuts. Some have clever names and some can't be mentioned in polite conversations. They are manned by hipster types that have seemed to forget that they are still in some aspect of customer service. They can actually be downright rude. Hey, they are a tourist destination...everybody knows who they are...so they don't have to try any more. Right?
Enter Blue Star Donuts.
Imagine walking in to a donut shop with AMAZING flavors, still manned by the younger, hip types. Only...they are POLITE! They smile, answer questions, and treat you like they actually want you to return. Our first visit assured that it is unlikely that we will ever return to VooDoo. Let the tourists have it. Let them leave thinking that Portlandians are too hip to care if they return.
When we have friends come in from abroad, we will naturally take them where they want to go, but when they mention VooDoo, we will suggest that they save their money and their appetites. Grab a donut, let the counter person sneer and give a derisive snort if you ask any questions. Then...we will take them to Blue Star. I am confident that they will be converted just as we were that first time we entered the bright, white CLEAN bakery. And we will arrive early. When they run out, the shop closes. Who knew that it was all about quality, taste, and REAL customer service?
If Blue Star does bacon donuts, I'm in.
ReplyDeleteThey do...and better than the dried strip on a maple bar you bet from Voodoo.
DeleteOh no. We did enjoy voodoo and I adore my t-shirt!! But next visit is to the locals favourite!!
ReplyDeleteYou will LOVE Blue Star!
DeleteVoodoo Donuts is the destination of choice for all teens here, mostly because of the variety of off the wall/vulgar names and the ONE donut everyone snickers about. I enjoy any donut, maple bacon is my favorite, but at $4.00 each, I prefer to purchase and cook my own bacon and get the Winco maple bars to make my own. Before you turn up your nose, one needs to remember that what makes a donut great is that it be fresh and time is the enemy for them all. Krispy Kreme understands that fact and exploits it, much like Voodoo exploits the quirky experience, flavors, and the stuck up attitude of which you speak. I am interested now in trying the Blue Star, and I understand there is one more place (name escapes me now) that is gaining some popularity for off-the-wall creations, being vegan or organic or something trendy or just plain tasty. Glad you found a great new place and gave VD a shot of reality. To be fair, this is their schtick, and I understand that a late night eaterie someplace back east actually draws huge crowds because they are rude and insulting on a rated R, Monty Python skit, Don Rickles scale, so hey, there is room for dining experiences of all kinds in the world for us to enjoy! Leave VD for the kids. So, where is this Blue Star of which you speak? Do I need to take out a second to buy one of their donuts too or are they reasonable? I get it that they will not be the .58 I pay at Winco.
ReplyDeleteLike the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld, but most people just grabbing something tasty don't want to be treated like they are actually imposing when they come in. A sprinkle of customer service goes a long ways. Voodoo might think they are too big to fail...but you never know. And yes, you MUST try Blue Star.
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