Cakewalk: Mostly Doughnuts in Sultan and Monroe, WA
Sunday, October 5, 2008 
No doubt about it, it was a dark Monday this week, what with the financial crisis and all-time stock market lows. Needing a bit of reprieve, we took to the road to clear our minds and get some sweet relief by way of sugary carbohydrates. Heading a mere 45 minutes out of Seattle, it was if we'd escaped these urban worries: with a pastoral backdrop including ponies, cows, farms and mountains, we set to tasting some delicious baked goods. Without consciously seeking it out, we ended up gravitating toward doughnuts on most of the trip. But in retrospect, doesn't it make sense? After all, when you split it in half, sharing a doughnut is like sharing a smile. Here's a recap of our adventure:
We walked up to our first stop, Sky River Bakery, only to meet disappointment--apparently, they're closed Sunday and Monday. Now, will you allow us a slight rant? (Thank you). These are awful days for a bakery to be closed--Sunday being the perfect day for a leisurely morning cinnamon roll, and Mondays being a day on which we could all use a sweet lift. That aside, we will grudgingly admit that it looked like a cute place from the outside. Sky River Bakery, 117 1/2 W Main St, Monroe, WA 98272, (360) 794-7434; online at skyriverbakery.com.
Luckily for us, before we pulled away we spied the word "PANADERIA" across the street; while we don't speak Spanish, we know that this vital word means deliciousness awaits. Though it was a dimly lit grocery filled will all sorts of Mexican groceries and sundries, they had a surprisingly full case of Conchas, pan dulce, and other hispanic specialties. The concha, while perhaps not the best we've ever tasted, certainly did soften the blow of our first stop being closed. La Talpita, 118 W. Main St, Monroe, WA.
At this point, if you'll allow, we'd like to give a shout-out to one place for savory fare, just because its very presence astounds us: Old School BBQ, a roadside barbecue joint housed in an old school bus. As if that wasn't cool enough? It's right next to the Reptile Museum (at which, in case you were wondering, you can get espresso too). If that doesn't sound like a recipe for complete awesomeness, we don't know what does. Read about one foodie's experience at Old School BBQ here. We couldn't find the address or phone number, so we'll include the contact info for the Reptile Museum: 22715 State Route 2, Monroe, WA - (360) 805-5300.
Cakewalk, doughnuts, washington
Reader Comments (23)
i love the mix of "high" and "low" on cakespy--- the history of the eclair,on to cake walk in small town washington... always so much variety and lots of fun! total triple threat with the BBQ bus, reptile zoo (??) and espresso. likely the best date two people could ever have: brisket, iguanas, lattes... :)
I used to live in Monroe and still visit the Northwest when I can. It's a shame about SkyRiver not being open. But if you do head that way again call ahead and ask them to make up some Dill Scallion bread, it is certainly worth the drive. And the owners are the sweetest people, though maybe it's because they are have known me since I was 4!
Regardless it put a smile on my face to see that you had made the trip to Monroe... and yes even Sultan!
interesting info and really nice doughnuts :-)
so do you guys work out a lot? Visiting bakeries sounds like a fun way to spend the day!
awww, man...I wish we had neat places like that around here. One of the few remaining independently owned bakeries in downtown Indy closed just last week. Although the owner was a bit of a turd, they did have good stuff.
I come here and I think why Im hungry??? and of course I know why!! beatiful pics!!! Gloria
this was all in one day? wow! it would take me about a week, what with all the buckling and unbuckling of car seats :)
can you mail me a doughnut?
Yum yum yum :)
Conchas are a subset of pan dulce, btw. Messy crumbly tops, but totally worth it :D
Maranitos and conchas are my favorite pan dulces <3
Heck yeah, a repitile zoo. I am so dragging my husband out for BBQ and lizards.
your job makes my job feel like scooping up donkey dung for a living. :)
OOOh I want a "big foot"!
I work in the financial world - so maybe I should take a little field trip like this one!
It seems the good people of Monroe WA are doing their part to maintain the "average American eats X kilos of sugar per year"...hang on...pounds, I meant pounds...
Wow, that is a whole pile of frosting and pink dye, isn't it? Not to mention the sprinkles and 100s and 1000s! Impressive!
: )
That first image you have of the pink sprinkled donut ... true heaven. That is the most perfect pink I have seen. This just confirms that I absolutely adore looking at pretty baked goods! You guys are always so interesting at cakespy. I dream of seeing these special treats. Lyns
That first image you have of the pink sprinkled donut ... true heaven. That is the most perfect pink I have seen. This just confirms that I absolutely adore looking at pretty baked goods! You guys are always so interesting at cakespy. I dream of seeing these special treats. Lyns
Field trips, leave the city, carbs, big foot - sounds so much better than everything we're hearing on the news. After today, I'm almost afraid to turn on the t.v. news in the morning.
I haven't received ANY update alert emails for Cakespy in ages :0(
Interesting information and a great post cakespy!! I always come away hungry viewing all those wonderful bakes....
Rosie x
There is so much personality in each of those little places. How fun to try them all out. Now I'm craving sprinkled donuts though!
I SO wish these cool places existed in my neck of the woods. Too many strip malls here. ALL looks SO divine. I would kill for a doughnut right now!
Lyndsay: Thanks! I know, isn't that bus awesome?!?
Teressa: Yeah, Sky river looked like a good one--oh well, always next time!!
Snooky: Oh yeah they were!
Amy: Walk, not work out. Working out gives me hives.
Courteous: Have you ever been to Long's doughnuts? I have heard they are good.
Gloria: Ha! Don't come here if you're dieting!
Abigail: They weren't all eaten at the same time. :-)
Teaspoon: Whatever type of pan dulce it is, I know we like it!!
Peabody: Totally!! You've got to go. Totally awesome, that place!
Grace: Depends...what is your job?
EB: I want another one!
Deborah: You totally should!
Amanda: Yup! Thank you, good people of Monroe. As you can see -- we ALWAYS go for pink.
Sweet Cuppin: I know, that is the most perfect color for doughnut frosting, isn't it?
Giz: I concur, sometimes you just need a sweet break!
Veggiegirl: Did you get this week's? I need to check. I still got mine so I hope it didn't go to your spam filter or something!
Rosie: Thanks!
Satisfying: Good! Go get one!
Prudence: Sometimes the best places are in strip malls! :-)
oh my stomach is growling. i have a real thing for fried dough...
sky river ROCKS!
My three pregnancy cravings have been satisfied there!
(and I'm always sad when they are closed too.)
MMMM.....
Ham and Cheese Biscuits
Morning Glory Muffins
Lotta Lemon Muffins