Food

The Great Doughnut Derby: Palena Market vs. Acadiana

A neighborhood favorite goes up against NOLA’s treat of choice. Which pastry will rise to the top?

Beignets are a brunch favorite at Acadiana. Photograph courtesy of Acadiana.

Hello there, dear fritter fans. Welcome back to the derby—the original and only doughnut-obsessed series in Washington. (Accept no imitations!) On Tuesday, we watched the Italian fluffs at Cashion’s walk away with a win, beating out those old-school rounds from Montgomery Donuts—available at Slice N Dice in Arlington—with ease. With just four bouts left in round one, the competition is getting stiffer than a day-old deep-fried pastry, so be sure to check back daily and cast your vote.

Next up: A neighborhood favorite takes on NOLA’s treat of choice. Weekend mornings were made for jaunts to charming Palena Market in Cleveland Park, purveyor of super-fresh, airy doughnuts in flavors such as lemon glazed. Delicious. But if it’s beignets you’re after, you could do way worse than delightfully rowdy Acadiana. Brunch at the Cajun-inspired restaurant from the Passion Food Group always involves live jazz, lots of drinks, and an order of pillowy fried dough doused in plenty of powdered sugar. We’re predicting a tough competition, so let your voice be heard.