Cawston Press Ginger Beer: Ginger beer just may be my all time favorite beverage, so while I'm particular about snacks more generally, ginger sodas undergo an extra level of scrutiny. I've reviewed 38 ginger-flavored beverages on Tasty Snacking so far and continue to seek new takes on the uniquely spicy root. That's what makes Cawston Press's ginger beer so special - it combines the warming spice of ginger with pressed apples, which provide a level of freshness and sweetness that is refreshingly new. Highly concent... (read more) 4.5/5.0
exceptional drinks soda gingerbeer cawstonpress ginger beer 4.5
Uji Lavender soft serve in Taiyaki cone: The best lavender ice cream I've ever had was in Hokkaido, Japan at Farm Tomita, where their lush, seemingly endless fields of lavender are the basis for wondrously floral and creamy soft serve. I have yet to find anything that comes close, but the seasonal lavender flavor at Uji, a Japanese ice cream shop in Berkeley, is a strong contender. The trick is their careful balance - the lavender does not overpower (which otherwise would lead to a mouthful of perfume-flavored cream), yet the flav... (read more) 4.5/5.0
exceptional uji lavender soft serve in taiyaki cone 4.5 ujitime
Morgenstern's Raw milk ice cream with blueberry and strawberry jams: A Fourth of July special with two scoops or raw milk ice cream and streaks of blueberry and strawberry jam throughout. A largely flawless dessert: rich and indulgent, while fruit jams add welcome sharpness. Perfectly smooth texture. Basically as good as it gets for a clean, classic ice cream cone. 4.5/5.0
exceptional icecream rawmilk morgensterns raw milk ice cream blueberry strawberry jams 4.5
Secret Scoop Thai Gelato Thai Iced Tea and Roasted Coconut Gelato: Just a few paces away from the Trader Joe's in Berkeley is a small ice cream shop specializing in Thai-inspired flavors ("Thai Gelato" refers to the unique flavors rather than a specific style of making gelato). Their curated set of gelato and sorbets range from chocolate lemongrass to soursop, originals you're unlikely to find elsewhere, even in a diverse, food-minded community like Berkeley. The Thai iced tea gelato is easily the best I've had; it's very lightly sweetened and tastes stro... (read more) 4.5/5.0
icecream sweets desserts berkeley exceptional secretscoopthaigelato thai iced tea roasted coconut gelato 4.5
Ellenos Rhubarb Greek yogurt: A Seattle favorite, with a stand in the center of Pike Place market, Ellenos has a variety of flavored whole-milk Greek yogurt, from chai to passion fruit to mixed berries. Their flavors are shown off in a traditional ice cream display, with containers of yogurt topped with fresh fruit spreads, blending in with the produce stands that surround it. At the stand, you can purchase a generous portion in a walk-around cup, with yogurt spilling out from the top. It's hearty and filling and can ... (read more) 4.5/5.0
greekyogurt seattle pikeplace exceptional ellenos rhubarb greek yogurt 4.5
Riska Mentai Corn Snack: I love that Japanese culture is seemingly contradictory. There is the upmost respect for serenity and simplicity, along with an obsession with quality and workmanship (e.g., tea gardens, sashimi and sushi rice, Yurbai melons) - yet, at the same time, it can be loud, brash, and colorful (e.g., manga, Pachinko). This purple bag of Mentai (cod roe) puffed corn snacks is sensory overload all on its own, with multiple exclamation points, bold lettering, and metallic silver foil highlighting. I... (read more) 4.5/5.0
exceptional japanese mentai cod roe fish seafood junkfood riska corn snack 4.5 tokyofishmarket