Review of Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon

While hopping from one bar to the next in Portland, Oregon, one of my drinking buddies suddenly piped up: "You know what sounds good right now??? Voodoo Doughnut!"

Being from out of town, I wasn't familiar with the establishment. But I was excited to find out.

Portland prides itself on having smaller, more independent establishments, and I like checking out their unique spots when I'm there. Based on the name alone, I'd much rather eat at Voodoo Doughnut than Krispy Kreme. I don't understand all the hype for Krispy Kreme, anyway. I think they taste just like the prepackaged ones you buy in a box at the grocery store. Maybe there's something to be said, however, about the spellbinding qualities of doughnuts in general. I recall when the first Krispy Kreme opened in my area and people waited in line for hours to buy them.

Donuts at Voodoo Donut cost between .85 and 4.95, and some of them are rather elaborate. They have names like "grape ape" and "dirty snowball", and there's quite a variety.

They offer doughnuts with creative toppings like breakfast cereal and candy. There were no two alike. I selected a chocolate cake donut with chocolate frosting with Mini M & M's, which was a chocoholic dream. I also sampled a bite of my friend's jelly donut with Tang sprinkled on top. It was delicious, and I was instantly envious, but it was the only one of its kind. My stomach has a ceiling on the number of donuts it allows, anyway, so I'll save that for my return trip.

Along with the creatively-topped donuts, they have donuts shaped like a man's anatomy. Another friend of mine got one of those and declared it tasty. They also have vegan donuts. The Voodoo Donut is shaped like a voodoo doll, and one might imagine that as you eat it and think of someone you dislike, the calories will go to their thighs rather than yours. Somehow I doubt Krispy Kreme could deliver that benefit.

Voodoo Doughnut puts on musical performances. They even teach Swahili lessons on Monday nights. You can also have your wedding or commitment ceremony there. They will make custom doughnuts, which could add a lot of fun and personalization to your next get-together.

Now I'm back at home miles away, and that Tang doughnut still haunts my dreams. Maybe it's not really about the doughnuts, it's about the voodoo, and voodoo never tasted so sweet.

They are located at 22 SW 3^rd Ave in Portland. You can find more information about hours and merchandise at www.voodoodoughnut.com