Chokai Kogen La France Pear Yogurt: A local grocery store offers this unique yogurt made in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. The 400g mini tubs of yogurt (offering around 3 servings) consists of two layers: a base layer of yogurt that is smooth and acidic, and a layer of fruit compote that sits on top. The first flavor I bought was the La France flavor, which is a type of pear from Yamagata I hadn't heard about before. Looking up more information on the pear, it looks a bit like a D'Anjou pear, but here it's been cooked down to ... (read more) 4.5/5.0
exceptional japanese naniwaya chokaikogen la france pear yogurt 4.5
Cones cantaloupe gelato: Cones is a small ice cream shop on Bleeker St. in the West Village specializing in house-made flavors both classic and unique. The cantaloupe sorbet was superb, with a particularly concentrated melon flavor that still felt light and refreshing. Had small bits of fresh fruit. Perfect amount of sugar. I sampled their mate South American green tea (excellent) and corn (also great). My only criticism is that it could be more consistently smooth (some larger icier chunks), but the flavor doesn't ... (read more) 4.5/5.0
gelato icecream cones nyc westvillage exceptional cantaloupe 4.5
Corner of Vermont lemonade with maple syrup: Corner of Vermont is a small shop in Brooklyn selling Vermont maple syrup and other specialty items as well as maple-syrup enhanced dishes including hot dogs and ice cream. I ordered their lemonade with maple syrup and found it to be a perfectly balanced drink. The acidity level was very nicely paired with a mild sweetness from the maple syrup, which, despite my concerns, did not overwhelm. Served cold, it is an entirely satisfying summer drink. 4.5/5.0
cornerofvermont drinks lemonade maplesyrup exceptional 4.5 maple syrup
Culture Raspberry frozen yogurt: This is the best raspberry soft serve I’ve ever had, with a concentrated berry flavor that’s sweet and tart. With a flavor this good, it’s best eaten without any toppings. Seasonal flavor from NYC-based yogurt shop Culture. (Purchased over a month ago now, so raspberry may not be on the current menu, but their menu changes every day so it just may return.) 4.5/5.0
exceptional nyc dessert froyo culture raspberry frozen yogurt 4.5
Dominique Ansel Bakery Gingerbread Pinecone: I still haven't tried a cronut, but I have tried some of Dominique Ansel's desserts in the past, mostly through special events held at his New York West Village Kitchen location. While some were exceptional, namely a pea and carrot dessert modeled after a baby's first word, others have actually been quite bad (like the pie night a few years ago). There is a relatively short line at his first bakery and restaurant in Los Angeles at The Grove, so I opted for a seasonal treat: the gingerbread... (read more) 4.5/5.0
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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