By Ava Stryker-Robbins
The Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes at The Wolfe, at 425 Amsterdam Avenue (between 80th and 81st streets), are created early every morning. After the dough is made it sits to rise for a few hours before it is shaped and deep fried for a few minutes in canola oil. Afterward, the holes are coated with cinnamon sugar and maple sprinkles. They are served with freshly made chocolate ganache, which is slightly spicy as a result of the added chipotle. “That’s our unique touch,” Fabain Zhinin, a partner in The Wolfe and executive chef, told West Side Rag in a phone interview.
Zhinin and partner Randy Adams wanted to create a dish that would be popular, especially among younger crowds. While this dish was initially meant to be served at other locations in the Stout Hospitality Group, of which Zhinin and Adams have been part for about ten years, they decided to launch it at The Wolfe. “We tried many things until we got our unique and consistent recipe and we successfully achieved what we were looking for,” Adams explained.
Adams and Zhinin have both been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. They have worked at and operated other restaurants throughout the city, including Amity Hall, located on Amsterdam Avenue between West 108th and 109th streets. The Wolfe opened in October 2023. It was named to pay tribute to Tom Wolfe, a journalist and novelist from the Upper West Side. The restaurateurs enjoy sharing books written and signed by him.
The Wolfe has a comfortable setting with screens displaying sports around the restaurant. Zhinin and Adams hope that every customer can enjoy their experience and “not have any worries” as they dine. “We do the work for you, so relax and hang out, hopefully for a long time.”
“People are complimenting our work and, as a chef, it makes me proud of what I do on a daily basis,” Zhinin concluded.
The Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes cost $10.
The Dish: Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes
The Restaurant: The Wolfe (425 Amsterdam Avenue, between 80th and 81st streets)
Read all of our Here’s the Dish columns here.
Subscribe to WSR’s free email newsletter here.
Real health food.
Most definitely not, but an indulgence every now and again is good for the soul.
THIS COLUMN IS ABOUT A “GOOD DISH”, MEANING TASTY, I BELIEVE. IF YOU WANT “HEALTH FOOD”, COOK IT YOURSELF. YOU WON’T FIND IT IN A RESTAURANT.
Sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it.
Why is everyone always messing with a classic? Add some spice to the chocolate only if customer wants. Was excited to try these, but now no with that chocolate.