MISSION BEACH – A donut shop isn’t usually what first comes to mind when one thinks of healthy food, but classically trained chef Renee Fox is trying to change that with her new café, Sourpuss Donuts in Mission Beach.
The eatery on Misson Boulevard has your traditional sweet treats of course, as well as another donut shop staple, fresh coffee. However, Sourpuss also offers health-oriented options and was created from a desire to bring a high quality “better for you” donut option to San Diego, according to Fox.
Instead of using canola oil, soybean oil and artificial ingredients, Sourpuss uses only organic ingredients, no seed oils and engages in local ingredient sourcing. The café also offers San Diego’s only sourdough brioche donuts, according to Fox.
“The donuts are crafted with organic ingredients and choosing slow fermented sourdough make a unique donut that you can feel good about treating yourself to,” according to a statement provided by the café. “Cooking without seed oils or artificial ingredients allows you to enjoy a treat that otherwise may be considered off limits.”
Other offerings at Sourpuss for the health-conscious include yogurt bowls and fresh fruit. For those who aren’t as worried about calories, the menu includes sandwiches, burgers, fries and more.
A statement printed on the menu also makes it clear that Sourpuss isn’t your typical donut shop cafe.
“Real food, made from scratch using quality ingredients we trust – grass-fed, thoughtfully sourced and always free of inflammatory seed oils,” it says.
Sourpuss Donuts was previously a vendor at the Del Mar farmers market for three years before opening a physical location in spring. The storefront also includes a patio between the beach and the bay.
“(We) are so excited to embark on this new journey,” the owners said in a statement. “Our location is designed to be a relaxing and joyful space.”
Before moving to San Diego, Fox had years of experience owning and operating two farm-to-table restaurants in Santa Fe, New Mexico – Arable and Loyal Hound. She has also appeared on the Food Network multiple times and is an alumnus of the James Beard Foundation’s Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change, a rigorous three-day training course covering sustainable food systems, media relations and other topics.
She and her husband Dave say they moved to San Diego to pursue the California dream, and that dream is fulfilled with the opening of their brick-and-mortar Sourpuss Donuts cafe.
Donut flavors change regularly and can sell out early, so they invite customers to call ahead at 619-509-0678 to see what’s available or to come in and check the display case to see what mouth-watering delights are on hand.
SOURPUSS DONUTS
Where: 3231 Misson Blvd.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursdays through Mondays.
Info: sourpussdonuts.com, call ahead at 619-509-0678.
