Donut Friend In Highland Park | Tasting Table Los Angeles

"It's like an entire cheese plate on a doughnut."

This is how one of the employees at Highland Park's Donut Friend describes the shop's specialty creation, Jets to Basil ($5). It's a supple, yeast-raised doughnut split bagel-style and spread with goat cheese, local fig jam and fresh basil. A sugar glaze drizzle, balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of crumbled bacon (added at the suggestion of our doughnut-maker) seal the deal.

Sound ridiculous? It sort of was, but the sharpness of the basil and the balsamic tang kept this sugary package from landing in carnival booth territory. We'd totally order another.

Time to make the doughnuts!

Donut Friend's owner, Mark Trombino, is a music producer who's worked on albums for Blink 182 and Jimmy Eat World. Many of Trombino's whimsical flavor combos riff on punk culture, such as the "Spanish Bomb" ($4.50), which came filled with quince paste and Manchego cheese (named after a song by The Clash), or the "Gorilla Biscuit" ($4.50), stuffed with banana and dulce de leche (and named after an '80s hardcore band).

The biggest draw, however, is the DIY option. You can stuff your doughnut with fillings that range from Greek yogurt, speculoos and cherry compote to olive oil and cheddar cheese–and yes, even Sriracha.

It's kinda like a mosh pit in your mouth.