Food

The Great Doughnut Derby: Mac’s Donuts vs. Bayou Bakery

Plus: how to score free doughnuts this weekend.

Doughnuts on a stick, or NOLA-style fritters? One will take on Astro for the championship title. Photographs courtesy of Mac’s Donuts (left) and by Scott Suchman (right).

Thursday brought the most intense bout yet to the Great Doughnut Derby, with Pizzeria Orso and Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken each drawing tons of votes. In the end, Astro emerged the victor of the tight race. Before we move on, let’s recognize the awesome efforts of Orso chef Will Artley in rallying his fans throughout the derby. Well played, Orso.

Now it’s time to pick the fritter maker who will take on Astro in the championship on Monday. Mac’s Donuts has proved a tough competitor throughout the derby. If you haven’t tried those ’nuts, you can catch them for the first time ever at the Courthouse farmers market this Saturday from 8 to noon. Mac’s will give a free “stick o’ donuts” to the first 50 customers. Now, Mac’s takes on the fluffy buttermilk beignets at Bayou Bakery for a chance at the title. The stakes are high, pastry people, so vote wisely. And vote before 5 PM, because that’s when the poll closes.