It was 2018. I was in Nashville for a work conference. I was staying in an Airbnb in the 12 South area and wanted something sweet (shocker.)
The 12 South area is very walkable which was a good thing since I didn't have a car on this trip. I did a quick Yelp search and noticed a donut shop just 2 blocks away.
Five Daughters Bakery. This place was cute and figured I could get some pics and vids for my YouTube channel. I did get the shots but never ended up making that video (I make up for this later. Keep reading.)
After a long conference day (and mighty fine BBQ dinner) I walked over to Five Daughters and it looked dark. They were open until 10pm and it was only 8pm!! I walked up to the door and sure enough - CLOSED (Sold Out)! This made me want donuts more than ever and I was heated.
The next morning I got up early and walked my butt right back over there when they opened at 7am. I was expecting regular donuts, but when I approached the case I could see they were bigger and puffy'er.
I also noticed the price. $5 per donut! Holy! These better be the best donuts EVER at these prices. Yeesh! I got one Maple Glaze (year round flavor) and one Cuban Cold Brew (seasonal flavor.)
I also picked up a biscuit sandwich and headed to the conference. By the time I ate my sandwich I couldn't even think about the donuts so I popped the plastic container into my backpack and carried on with my day. Well by the time I got around to eating them they were kinda melty, but that's not the important part.
Friends, Listen. When I finally sat down and took a bite I could hear angels sing.
These were the best donuts I've EVER had. EVERRRR!!
Actually they were more like cronuts (croissant donuts). Light and airy layers with fresh sweetness running through it. And by fresh sweetness I mean pastry cream takes the flavor explosion over the edge.
I went back again the next day and got another. I couldn't help myself.
When I left Nashville I was sad that I probably wouldn't get these donuts again any time soon.
Fast forward a year and some change later. I'm in Atlanta having brunch with a friend. We're talking about food (naturally) and I mention these donuts. She says, 'Oh, you know they have a Five Daughters here right?'
Um, wut?
A few days later I was on my way to the Ponce City Market to score my beloved donuts. The shop there was much smaller, but the donuts were just as perky as I'd remembered them.
They didn't have my favorite Cuban Cold Brew, but they did have the Maple Glaze. I thought I might try the Purist (vanilla donut) but I asked the gal at the counter what was the difference and she said the Purist and Maple Glaze were pretty similar except the Purist didn't have the vanilla cream inside.
It was a done deal. Maple Glaze it was because that pastry cream is to live for.
Come to find out Five Daughters has seven locations. Three in Tennessee, two in Atlanta and two in Florida.
You know where there's NOT a Five Daughters Bakery??
That's right - California! C'mon, girls, sweeties, daughters...please. Make your way to the West Coast. We need you out here!!
Think of all the fun flavors you could create.
Palm Tree Pumpkin Spice
Hollywood Honey Glaze
Golden Gate Ganache
Los Angeles Lemon Drop
I don't think I'm being unreasonable here. I'll even be your personal taste tester. It's a sacrifice, but I'm willing to do this for you.
In the meantime I guess I'll be traveling to Atlanta even more now just to get this sweet treat every once in awhile. Well, that and the other awesome sweets in Atlanta. Cake, ice cream and donuts.
On second thought, maybe it's a good idea for my thighs that I'm not there all the time.
I miss you already.
Have you ever tried Five Daughters Bakery Donuts? If not, what are your favorite donuts?