I recently read an article about the best donuts across the nation (read here). I was excited to find an Atlanta establishment (Sublime Donuts) on the list. After reading the article at 9:30 on a Saturday evening, I searched the internet to find positive experiences and background information on the owner. By 10:00 PM I was resisting the temptation to visit the establishment before closing at 11:00 PM. I reasoned that it would be better to wait until morning when the donuts would likley be freshly baked. And with that thought, I went to bed thinking of donuts.
Morning came and I excitedly went to Sublime Donuts. My reference for non-chain donut shops is Randy’s in Inglewood, CA, thus I admit mental comparison before I ever set foot in the establishment. I ordered one dozen (no, they were not eaten in one sitting) to share with my family. After the anticipation and overnight wait, I was initially underwhelmed by the product due to dryness that may be related to the type of donut (donut types explained) and overall lack of sweetness. But, with reflection on the experience I realized the chef had successfully challenged my taste-perspective of donuts. A hedonistic lump of sugary, fried dough become a refined creation of the culinary arts.
A little more on the product. I especially like that the donuts are not sugar-laden as it fosters appreciation of the flavor from individual ingredients. Further, I esteem the evident use of high-quality ingredients including fresh strawberries and dark chocolate. In short, the flavor combinations are to be celebrated as their boldness and creativity reflect the culinary acumen of the establishment’s chef/ower. However, the one and most disappointment aspect of their donuts is their dryness. Sublime Donuts challenged my palate for donuts. What I once viewed as a lump of fried, sugary dough I now perceive as a highly-refined product of culinary skill.
The atmosphere is great. I have the impression that it frequented by local college students given its proximity to Georgia Tech. I found the service outstanding as the staff was knowledgable about the product, patient, and friendly. The price is the donuts is also reasonable given their specialty nature. Overall, Sublime Donuts offers a great product without excessive sugar that may reduce the caloric content. The dryness may be a result of the type of donut served or could reflect lesser fat-content, which similar to less sugar, reduces the overall calorie-content.
My review is based on reflection of the of product quality, atmosphere, service, and price. I encourage you to try Sublime Donuts and share your thoughts as well.
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Your review has sparked philosophical thinking regarding the smart and deft use of quality ingredients for a product that easily could translate into a fatty lump of sugary mess. Instead, the creation of the end product shows incredible restraint from the chef as an artist to portray and highlight the simplicity of ingredients as the main star of the show/ Also, I support local and independent businesses, especially ones that attempt to showcase ATL on a (inter)national level. Therefore, I would rate this place 4 stars.
The product challenges the traditional palate-expectation of donuts. The atmosphere is relaxed with an academic hint. The restaurant has high-back, soft-cushioned chairs, and tables for group or individual study. The service is great as the staff is friendly and knowledgable of the products. And, the donuts are reasonably priced given their gourmet quality.
While I have never been inside Sublime’s I have had them at work numerous times for various co-workers birthdays. They seem to be quite smitten with the thought of doughnuts spelling out “Happy Birthday.” Maybe one day I will venture into the shop to try something new.