Cold Frenzy: A Different Take on the Best Ice Cream in LA
July 11, 2011 Collaj
Filed under Global Spotlight
When Pinkberry first opened up shop in 2005, the “crackberry” craze lasted about a year until others decided to cash in on some of this cold-some goodness. Yogurtland opened in 2006, then Menchie’s followed suit in 2007, and then hundreds of small local shops started popping up everywhere and you couldn’t escape it. As supply increases, demand decreases and people start looking for the next “it” dessert to fawn over. Here, we found 5 ice cream stops that are all tasty or well shaven, ready to make a comeback for those looking for that yogurt alternative.
Get Shaved Truck (Hawaiian)
If you haven’t gotten your Hawaiian shaved ice fix yet, or let alone been to Hawaii, you’ll be smiling down to the last drop of ice with a spell of Get Shaved. The key is in the ice shavings that come soft and very fine. You also get the option of adding ice cream underneath, along with mochi balls and other sprinkler choices. Flavors to try among other unique flavors: Sour Puss (watermelon, lemon and lime shaved ice with sour spray) and Monkey Brains (strawberry and banana shaved ice with condensed milk). To find out where they’ll be making their next stops, visit www.getshavedice.com
Paradis (Danish)
Fresh Scandinavian deliciousness. Paradis has made its way here from Denmark (they 29 locations) when they decided California as their first foreign venture. Smooth and fluffy, their ice cream is made fresh daily with the consistency of gelato. Get your taste buds rolling with their special Vanilla and Ferrero Rocher flavors. www.paradis-icecream.com
Locations:
2323 Honolulu Ave
Montrose, CA 91020
Neighborhood: Glendale
—
1726 N Vermont
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Neighborhood: Griffith Park/Los Feliz
—
Mikawaya (Japanese)
This little shop in Little Tokyo may have been around for a long time, but it may have escaped you. Mikawaya was the first to manufacture mochi ice cream in the U.S., so best to get it from the originators. Try a bite of their “mochi-lato,” which is simply gelato ice cream inside a ball of mochi. Flavors to try: cookies & cream, mint chip, crème brulee. www.mikawayausa.com
118 Japanese Village Plz Mall
Los Angeles, CA 90012
—
Haus Dessert Boutique (Korean)
Good Korean shaved ice (“bingsoo”) is not hard to find in Koreatown, but you’ll find that the best ones depend on the consistency of the ice (the softer the better), it’s ice flavor and the quality of the toppings (ice cream, assortment of fruit, sweet red beans)—this place will fit the bill if you’re looking for a trendy ambiance to lounge in and a place to enjoy a tasty cold ice shaven treat. www.myhauscafe.com
3826 W 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Neighborhood: Koreatown
—
LA Creamery Artisan Ice Cream (American)
A modern take on the old-fashioned ice cream parlor, LA Creamery usually incorporates no more than five ingredients with nothing artificial using organic dairy from Straus Family Farms. All the sauces, toppings and cones are made from scratch daily. The result? Wholesome goodness to satisfy your finger-lickin’ ice cream cravings. If you’re craving Bi-Rite from the Bay area, you’ll be happy to find something similar with exotic flavors like Honey Lavender, Goat Cheese and many more to choose from.
Locations:
Westfield Topanga
6600 Topanga Canyon Boulevard
Canoga Park, CA 91303
Westfield Topanga, 1st level next door to Nordstrom
The Americana at Brand
777 Americana Way
Glendale, CA 91210
Next to Crumbs Bake Shop on Caruso Avenue
Westfield Fashion Square Shopping Center
14006 Riverside Drive
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
2nd level directly off the elevator, next to William Sonoma
