Tastease Donuts

70 New Park Avenue, Hartford, CT - (860) 233-2235

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Posted By Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch on January 18, 2011 11:15 AM

For donut fans, what could be more exciting than bringing home a box of 25 donuts in all flavors and colors? It’s certainly possible without being a glutton, for Hartford’s Tastease makes midi-donuts, little doughy rings about three inches in diameter. These shouldn’t be called gourmet donuts (let’s leave that tag for those from New York City’s Doughnut Plant), but they surely fit the moniker of “fancy donuts.” Each pastry is carefully and beautifully decorated, and they are scrumptious: all cake varieties, with a splash of flavor from the icing and toppings. Their small size reminded us of the Lil’ Orbits donuts that we used to buy at Checkers hockey games in Charlotte, NC. You might think that you could eat a lot of these to equal whole donuts, but actually 2-3 donuts are a perfect snack.

We met owners Tony and Susan Mendes outside their shop, but the donuts quickly drew us inside as we marveled at all the varieties. Though we chose one of every donut in the counter, we were still a few short of sampling all of them. We bought a box of 25 assorted, and Susan explained a few seasonals, especially the pumpkin cake (Susan said she was almost out of that special flour). We also halved a warm, cheesy Cuban sandwich at one of two tables inside the shop while watching the customers come and go. One guy bought two donuts before catching a bus; another woman picked up an order for 750 donuts (“We pulled an all-nighter for that one,” Susan told us). The best was two girls asking for churros as advertised on their permanent sign out front, to which Susan replied, “Honey, I’m sorry, but I haven’t made those in four years, and we can’t very well take it off the sign!”

Admittedly, we’re suckers for hot pressed sandwiches, and this Cuban was wonderful. Pressed on good crusty French bread with thick slices of ham and pork (roasted on the premises), the only strange thing was the pickles: round hamburger dills, which gave it a slightly different flavor—but it was still quite tasty, and one that we’d order again. Mendes also sells a wide array of spices, arranged alphabetically on their high shelves. Located in the heart of the Parkville neighborhood, Tastease is a place where local color is rampant and a wonderful stop to take friends, family, and visitors to Hartford.

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Midi-Donuts

Cuban Sandwich

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Posted By John Lundquist on April 11, 2008 4:51 PM

“Aesthetically pleasing to the eye and dancing with flavor!” There’s no other way to describe the aptly named Tastease midi-donuts, which are handcrafted daily by someone I like to refer to as Tony “Picasso” Mendes.

Tony only gets half of the credit. Without the assistance of Tony’s wife Susan, the presentation wouldn’t be the same. Susan meticulously packs each box one-by-one according to customers' wishes. She also takes the beverage orders. With as many as 36 varieties in the display case I have found myself pondering a decision. Susan, with her ever-pleasant and glowing smile, says, “Why don’t you try the cheesecake or maybe the orange cream, dear?” Tony pokes his head around the corner and says, “The caramel chocolate is my favorite, but Susan doesn’t let me eat many.”

Each midi is an experience. They seem to look up at you, daring you to eat just one, but that’s not possible. The color of the icing indicates the flavor, and every donut is painstakingly decorated with sprinkles, coconut, nuts, pieces of candy, and/or cream toppings. There are also festively dressed donuts for holidays and special occasions.

One would think donuts would be enough, but their seemingly endless donut energy transforms into a lunch service. Daily soup specials, chili, Cuban sandwiches, pastrami, and a roast pork deluxe are favorites.

Seating is limited to a couple of small tables. A friendly conversation with Tony and Susan is always enjoyable. Tastease is located in the New Park Avenue/Park Street section of Hartford. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, don’t blink or sneeze while driving down New Park Avenue; you might miss their modest little shop! I highly recommend arriving early for the midis as they sell out.

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