I hope everyone had a great weekend. If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you know that I’m currently wrapping up a very quick whirlwind trip to Boston and NYC. It wasn’t nearly enough time, but it gave me a chance to see my brother, the US Open, and eat some great food.
When we arrived in Boston, I couldn’t help get excited at every Dunkin’ Donut store we passed. This got quite redundant since we couldn’t go a few blocks without spotting one.
I spent most of my childhood in Long Island, New York before moving to California in high school. Dunkin’ Donuts was everywhere where I grew up, as common as Starbucks. I took it for granted when I lived in Long Island and it wasn’t until I moved to California, where there are no Dunkin’ Donut locations, that I really missed it.
So for breakfast, we got donuts, munchkins, their famous coffee, and some of their breakfast sandwiches.
Munchkins (mixed box of 25)
I was so excited when I opened these box of munchkins. There were even more flavors to choose from than I previously remembered. I believe there were about seven offered at the location we went to including chocolate, jelly filled, coconut, pumpkin spice, sprinkles, etc. It’s pretty rare to find places that sell donut holes in CA, and even more rare to find so many flavors offered. Mr. K couldn’t quite understand my enthusiasm and I tried to explain the nostalgic factor.
Munchkins were a part of every big celebration when I was a kid. If a student was celebrating his/her birthday during the week, the parents would go to DD in the morning and buy some munchkins to share with the class. Munchkins were at every holiday school party, birthday party, etc. Eating these really brought back those happy memories.
The majority of the flavors of the munchkins are cake-based donuts; I do wish there were a little more of the yeast based ones. Nonetheless, this was a fun trip down memory lane and I hope more places offer the variety of donut holes that Dunkin’ Donuts does.
Roast Beef Pretzel Sandwich
I was really surprised to see a pretzel bun sandwich offered by DD and had to order it. Unfortunately, this was a bit disappointing. The bun looked dry and overcooked and lacked the fluffiness of a good soft pretzel roll. The roast beef was good, but there was barely any, as you can see from my photo.
Chicken Salad Wrap
My brother ordered this two-bite chicken sandwich wrap. While he enjoyed how it tasted, it was about half the size as it looked in the picture on the menu. They really should have called it a mini wrap.
Breakfast Sandwich
This was the one winner of the trio of sandwiches. The jalapeno egg was fluffy and unique. It was served on a fresh bagel of your choice, along with some bacon.
Glazed and Old Fashion Donuts
I was pleasantly surprised to see that all donuts were priced at $.99. I am so used to specialty donuts costing more and I love that they don’t do that at DD. Since we had a whole box of munchkins, we didn’t order many other donuts. The donuts were good, though not quite as good as I remembered. Perhaps my standards have gotten too high after eating so many gourmet donuts.
Coffee
I never really noticed the coffee at DD when I lived in NY. I was surprised that it was so popular that it’s even sold in CA even though there aren’t any DD’s here. Mr. K was eager to try the coffee. He liked it, but he couldn’t quite understand how it had become so popular.
Overall, while some of the food here was disappointing, I thoroughly enjoyed my Munchkins and taking that trip down memory lane.
https://www.dunkindonuts.com/dunkindonuts/en.html
I am so sad for all of you that do not have DD. I get an extra large on my way to work everyday. I don’t know how I would survive without it. I even get a squirt of pumpkin added in now while they have it.
Two more years and they will be in Cali. Heh
I remember my grandparents always buying me munchkins at the DD’s in the Philippines. They’ll always be connected to good memories. I heard some DD’s were opening in CA. Here is the article from earlier this year.
https://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/Jan/22/more-doughnuts-coming-to-san-diego/
Yes I did read that it is coming to CA, though not for another few years. I can’t wait when it finally happens!
Welcome to my world;) I only have a couple of DD near now. But when I lived on Cape Cod, they were everywhere! I love those little powdered jelly munchkins:)
I was tempted to bring a box of munchkins home. hehe.
I lived in Boston when I was in college so I got used to the many, many Dunkin’ Donuts all over town. I’ve always been sad they there are not out here anymore. Whenever we go to Vegas, I make sure we stop by DD to get a few of their donuts!
It’s mind boggling that it’s not here in CA other than Pendleton. It was even in Taiwan when I visited there!
Ah, doughnuts and nostalgia. Great pair 🙂
I could have sworn I’ve been to a DD in San Diego when I was a kid. I suppose it’s just an East Coast luxury now.
I love your blog!
No DD in California, except one on a military base. They have announced plans to expand to CA in 2015. Still 2 more years! I think it’s because in general donuts are not as big in Cali. At least they weren’t when I first moved here, but now it’s becoming a bigger thing so it’s probably a good time for them to finally venture out here.
You may remember the donuts tasting better when you were growing up because most DD’s back then made their donuts in house. Hence the commercials from back in the day with the owner saying, “Time to make the donuts.” Now, almost all DD’s have their donuts pre-made and shipped to the store. They are good, but not as good as if you visit the few shops around that still make donuts on site. I think the coffee is something you grow to love.
Interesting! Thanks for providing that information. So it wasn’t just in my mind. That is too bad that they don’t all make their donuts in house anymore.
I used to eat a DD breakfast sandwich every day to eat on my commute from Bellingham, MA to Cambridge. And we did, indeed, celebrate many occasions in our lab (or at our homeschool co-op) with donuts and/or Munchkins. Thanks for the trip down memory lane 🙂
Aw, I’m happy to hear you celebrated with munckins and donuts from DD too.
Aww I miss Dunkin Donuts, too 🙂 Hope you had a great time in NYC and Boston!
I did have fun! It went by too quickly. Though probably a good thing because it’s definitely not good for me to be stuffing myself silly every day. haha.