Remember the old commercial, with the guy who had to get up early in the morning to make the donuts?... He was constantly saying..."gotta make the donuts"... he was an advertising icon. Fiction... I think not... he actually exists (and in real life, he looks a little like the actor)...but he doesn't work for the major chain that made the saying famous... he is a Greek immigrant, entrepreneur named George Vlandis, owner of Coffee An Donuts in Westport CT.

George, along with his wife, son Elias and daughter Stacey, own an operate Coffee An, a local donut shop in Westport Connecticut (USA). Coffee An has become a national and now international destination because of one thing... Donuts... arguably the best on the plant!

Coffee An Donuts are amazing, unlike any donut or muffin you would find anywhere (when you see my photo, you will see that I have enjoyed a few - too many :). They are large, moist and flavorful. The bakery case has about a dozen varieties, from plain to coconut cover twists, to my favorite... chocolate covered. If you are there, and they aren't busy (which is rare) ask Andy or Mike (two of the few non-family members who work the counter, they remembers everyone's name, what they eat, know what is happening in the world and always have a friendly smile) to make you my special donut, a glazed donut with hot chocolate covering - it is the most sinful pleasure one can enjoy.

When you arrive, don't expect to be "wowed" by a glitzy, modern atmosphere usually expected in an up scaled community like Westport, but expect to be touched by it's charm. The small store front, in a non descript strip mall, of 5 stores, has photos of George and his family meeting President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, in addition to senators, congressmen, celebrities and local officials. The counter has 12 stools, and the seating area has 6 small tables flanking the front door. Everyone converses, across the counts and at the tables...it's a very social and friendly atmosphere. It's a meeting place for business meetings and mommies...both find the food great and the atmosphere comfortable.

The other wall has the menu, specials and a public bulletin board with business cards and fliers from local businesses who know that this is epicenter of all networking. If you want to know what is going on in town or in the news nationally, Coffee An has the 411.

A few years ago, we were renovating our home, and I started going to Coffee An, for both Breakfast and Lunch almost every day, being we had no kitchen for a while. I have become a "regular" there, meeting the other regulars and making friends with many of them. This is a place where construction workers and hedge fund managers all sit at the counter and chat on an equal level. There are families, who send in their Christmas cards, which get posted on the wall, along with the drawing on the back of the place mats, by children...crayons are provided in a Crayola can that must be 20 years old.

Every morning, except for 2 weeks in July, when George and family are on vacation (good for them, bad for every one else...), the family is up early to make sure the Donuts and muffins are fresh every day. Coffee An only serves Breakfast and Lunch, so you gotta get there by 3:00 pm, or you'll miss out. Whatever is left over at the end of each day, is donated to the local men's shelter... my opinion, I think they make sure there is always something left over every day!

On a weekend morning, the line is out the door until 11:00 am, with people lining up to bring back the sinful delights to their family and friends. We have friends who come in from out of town, who are just as excited to have Coffee An donuts, as they are to visit us...but then, maybe the donuts are why they visit....? Anyone who has ever been to Westport in the last 20 years; knows about the little donut shop called Coffee An.

So, when you are on the east coast, in New York City or Boston, and you want to say you've had the best donuts on the planet... it's worth the journey to Westport, CT to visit this little Donut Shop Let them know you heard about it online...and that you are visiting from someplace distant, George and his family will be made to feel right at home...

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