Best Culinary Arrival in Recent Memory

Finally. The hot glazed arrived in the Bay Area in March, and not a moment too soon -- for years, we've been yearning for this special treat to make its way across the country from the Southeast. There is no doughnut like the Krispy Kreme. Period. In fact, we're not sure the KK product should even be called a doughnut, as it is vastly different from that found at the common corner cop-stop. By now, you should know the drill: When the round neon sign -- Hot Doughnuts Now -- lights up, it's go time. The warm, freshly baked balls of dough are just heading out from their shower of sweet glaze. Some are filled with a delightful berry goo, others are decorated with sprinkles, and some are even covered in chocolate. The smell alone is enough to inspire the formation of a line of salivating customers, waiting for the magic moment when they can slowly sink their teeth into the soft, warm dough. And for just a few precious moments, the world disappears but for the quiet explosion of taste as a stream of sweet cream pours from inside the floury paste, cooling the hot glaze. Every bite is a private pleasure. It's no wonder the place sells its own line of hats, T-shirts, and mugs. Krispy Kreme fans have created a cultlike following, which has been mighty good for business. The Winston-Salem, N.C.-based company went public shortly after opening in Union City and its stock sold like, well, hot doughnuts. But frankly, we care much less about the financials than we do about those sweet little magic rounds. And the fact that they've come at least within the boundaries of the Bay Area is reason to celebrate.