Lanky's Pastries - Hilo, HI

Overall Shop rating: 4 Nadas
At this point I’ve been away from Santa Cruz and Ferrell’s Donut for over 2 months… I’m beginning to forget what the glaze donut like mana from heaven tastes like. I’ve been in Hawaii since April 7 and it is now June 5. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying all the fresh fish, shave ice, and warm water ocean waves, but I have not been able to find a shop dedicated solely to donuts. Instead, the commonality is the bakery. I understand that this diversifies the products sold and broadens the customer base in towns where populations are smaller than on the mainland. This is yet another reason why I love Hawaiians: They are survivalists, molding and shaping businesses into what works in order to generate income to buy more poi and spam for their hungry families. I respect that. On my last day in Hilo, I was doing errands and I happened on this bakery in a quaint strip mall and I was warmly surprised to find one of my favorite baked goods ever (refer to “Special” below)!!!

Vibe of Shop: 4 Nadas
I like my donut shop/bakeries to feel warm, used, and slightly dirty like home, but still clean. This bakery had the perfect balance. It looked as if it had worked hard for years making many, many loaves of bread and cakes to celebrate births and deaths, love and loss, failure and success… But this place has succeeded. Note: No good seating indoors, but it’s Hawaii! Go sit outside.

Outside Appearance: 5 Nadas
Perfect seating outside for cruising and talking story. The bakery had nice large windows allowing everyone to see the baked goods… a great marketing strategy.Hours: 5:30am – 9:00pm everyday
That’s what the sign says, but I did show up one day in the early afternoon and they were closed. Like any good mom and pop shop, I think they close whenever they feel like taking a break. Again, I respect that.

Service: 5 Nadas
Asian, Friendly, and Happy. I love donuts served with smiles.

Taste of Glaze Donut: 2 1/2 nadas
Truthfully, this donut could use a little help. The dough was not fluffy enough for my taste and the glaze was a bit bland.

Blueberry Donut: No

Coffee: ?
I didn’t have coffee here because right next door there is a coffee shop called Kope Kope, where I performed at an open mic a few nights before. I decided to give Kope Kope my business because they could use the help. Go drink coffee there!Special: Oh My!!! I was blown away! Lanky’s came up with this: Custard Filled Chocolate Donut Hole. Simply, amazing. It’s like jumping in a cool pool in the hot desert, or hitting all green lights on your way to work, or putting on a jacket and finding $20 in your pocket. Man, I can’t even explain to you how wonderful this little nugget was. Perfectly balanced dough, custard and frosting… It massaged my taste buds into pure relaxation and peaceful bliss.


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1 comments:

Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com said...

Okay, LOVE your description of the custard-filled donut hole!!

Oh, and you just reminded me how good Ferrell's donuts are... especially in the middle of the night when they just made them!

-Heather

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