First Look: Dirty Betty’s
By Minna A in Food on May 18, 2011 8:20PM
In the daytime hours, the Cookie Bar wants to be known by its sexy alter ego, Dirty Betty. The retro mod 70s style Cookie Bar is opening shop in the morning to offer an array of fresh baked doughnuts. But don’t let the normally quick and dirty nature of this morning treat dupe you; these doughnut are uniquely modern and gourmet. Dirty Betty’s opened its doors today, with passing pedestrians peering in and quickly lining up.
Doughnuts seem to be taking over as the new pastry craze, with a line forming around the block for the Doughnut Vault, Scott Harris of Mia Francesca announcing his move to open a small shop called Glaze and Dirty Betty’s joining the game. Opening day diner John Palmares states, “I’ve predicted doughnuts to be the new trend for a while, and have been waiting for it to get to Chicago. The great thing about Dirty Betty’s is that you don’t have to wait in a horrendous line only to be told they’re sold out once you’ve finally reached the counter.”
Although absent of the crisp crunch of a sugary fried doughnut, Dirty Betty’s doughnuts are baked daily with fresh ingredients and unique flavors that make for a healthier option; although we’re certain if you’re downing these doughnuts, health isn’t really a primary concern. While the doughnuts are made of a moist cake-like pastry, being baked allows robust flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg to shine in the mix. Dirty Betty’s currently offers ten flavors, with gluten-free and vegan options to be added soon. Current flavors include: old-fashioned cinnamon sugar, old-fashioned powered sugar, chocolate nutella glazed, ginger with key lime glaze, blueberry with lemon glaze, fresh banana with chocolate nutella glaze, peanut butter cup, pomegranate glaze, espresso glaze and chocolate toffee. Each doughnut costs about $2.25.
Ones to add to your “Must Try” list include the ginger with key lime glaze, with doughnut batter filled with the tangy taste of ginger and balanced with the sweetly tart key lime glaze, and the espresso glazed doughnut, with a decadent glaze teeming with nutty espresso flavor that will make you want to ask for extra on the side. The "plain" old-fashioned flavors aren't to be scoffed at either. The old-fashioned doughnuts are made with a light and fluffy batter better suited for those weary of glaze.
Dirty Betty’s doughnuts are offered daily from 7:00 until 10:00 a.m., with normal Cookie Bar business resuming at 1:00 p.m.
Dirty Betty’s is located at 2475 N. Lincoln Ave.