Everyone has their comfort food. Donuts be mine.

Every Sunday of my adolescence started in a hellfire of procrastination, running the no-huddle offense to make 10am mass. “As long as we’re there by the gospel reading, we’re on time!” mama would reason with us. Clean shirt, a dollar in change in my pocket, and we were out the door by 10:05.

After finding an open pew, the weekly motions and recitations put my hands and lips on autopilot as my mind wandered to the entrance of St. Mary’s. Out the door, I’d approach the adjacent picnic table, peer into the pink box, deposit my tithe, and enjoy my ritual brunch. Donuts were Sunday’s blessing.

Now that I’m a big boy and can enjoy maple crullers at my leisure, I look for what the wonderful world has to offer. Last year, I guarded my cardboard carry-on from Manila to take home Bronuts. Last month, I made a point to stop by Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee.

Laura and I took much more time looking and settling choices than consuming their creations. When it came down to it, we boxed up one butter and salt, one Madagascar vanilla bean, and a blackberry & rose geranium. To wash it down, one regular cold brew coffee for the missus, and one nitro brew for me.

Outside, we lucked upon an open patio table, and we began.

Throw it all in there. Buster Bluth’s THC pill incident. Xander Harris’ Magnolian epiphany. Homer Simpson’s “Mmmmmmm.”

Honest gourmet donuts. There’s definitely a flair for the pretty, but it’s never a fondant façade. Nevertheless, we agreed our favorite of the trio was the simplest. The butter and salt wasn’t decadent nor bland. It was well-balanced and pillowy. Everything you need in fried and flavored bread. And it as damn good.

If you haven’t been to Sidecar’s Costa Mesa location, or upcoming Santa Monica space, be sure to get in on the action. They’re a small-batch bakery that prioritizes on quality. There’s a monthly rotation of new concoctions to go along with the classics. And best of all, they serve their community with every donut sold.

I wish it was Sunday already.

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

270 E. 17th St., #18, Costa Mesa, California 92627

Bakery website

Instagram account