Yogurtland

Ever since yogurt became the new starbucks, I have made it my mission to find the best yogurt shop in San Diego. Ladies and gentlemen, Yogurtland is it.

First of all, the self serve beats the behind the counter service any day. No more trying to explain exactly what proportion you want of each flavor. No more fearing you are annoying the lady behind the counter with your never ending requests. Nope. You just get your giant (and I mean giant) cup, and you fill it as little or as much as you want, with as many or few flavors as you want. And don't forget they have free little sample cups, so you can make sure you want it in the cup first.

Second, no one beats the price! At $0.30 an ounce, it is $0.08 cents an ounce cheaper than the closest competitor (Yogurtworld). This adds up. And there is no question that it beats out the behind the counter service again - you just never know if they are actually going to fill your cup for you! I hate it when they leave a big hole in the middle of your yogurt. And of course the toppings just count in the per ounce price, no rip off $1 or $2 additional per topping.

Third, the labels are well marked, easy to read, and accurate. There are at least a dozen flavors of yogurt, and twice as many toppings, including both "dry" and "fresh" toppings. The place is really clean, the walls, the tables, the toppings counter, everything.

The plain yogurt is a little sweeter and less yogurty than some of the higher end yogurt places, but it's not a big enough difference that those places can justify their price. And on top of the Yogurtland experience is much more fulfilling.

They have easily accessible nutritional info in the shop, and their website is easy to find and navigate. The sugar content is reasonable, and they contain live and active cultures.

Finally, the decor is awesome, with green subway tiles, and mod furniture. And they are open until midnight!!! Midnight, people! You can get your yogurt fix pretty much any time. Yogurtland is number one.


Yogurtland
855 Garnet Avenue
(between Bayard St & Mission Blvd)
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 581-1700
www.yogurt-land.com/

Hours:
Mon-Thu. 12:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Fri. 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Yogurt World - Kearny Mesa

I have taken on a quest of discovering the best yogurt shop in San Diego. As part of this search, a friend told me that Yogurt World in Kearny Mesa is "The Original - the yogurt shop that started all yogurt shops in San Diego." I definitely had to check it out.

Upon walking in I was initially impressed - they had the full range of flavors, the yogurt was only $0.38 an ounce. I sampled the yogurts (they give free samples), and I made my decisions. Like most self serve yogurt shops, they have only large and huge sized cups. I was used to this, so it was no surprise. I filled my cup with flavors, and then I went to the toppings.

The toppings, to be frank, were a little nasty. They looked kind of old, and things were not clearly or consistently labeled. They did have a large wall of "dry" toppings, like granola, sprinkles, chocolate chips, dried coconut, etc, etc, etc. This looking moderately clean. However the "fresh" toppings, such as the fresh strawberries, bananas, canned pineapple, caramel sauces and such were all kind of brownish. The crushed up butterfingers kind of stuck together in clumps like it had gotten wet. The snickers crumbs had been dropped into the oreos.

I continued onward, and I paid the tab. It was reasonable. The yogurt was pretty tasty. I admired the shop. It was also a little run down, like the toppings. The walls were marred. It was clean enough, though.

The walls boasted all the health benefits of yogurt - clears up acne, improves digestions, and so forth. I inquired at the counter about the nutritional information; it was not available. They gave me a website. I looked it up; it didn't work. They gave me another website. I looked it up. It worked. However, I found out that not all their flavors are yogurt. Some are ice cream; some are custard. This doesn't bother me per se, except that because of the name of the store it is implied that all options are actually frozen yogurt.

The yogurts they sell are certified to contain live and active cultures. They are moderate in sugar content. Most are fat free or low fat (though the ice creams and custards are not).

I also noticed they have only one register, which I suspect is to create an artificial line. This is a southern California practice to manufacture the perception of extreme popularity, and it drives me bonkers.

Overall, this place was okay, but needs to be cleaned, to be better labeled, refreshed toppings, and a second register.

Yogurt World
4646 Convoy St
Ste 113
(between Dagget St & Opportunity Rd)
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 268-1688

Hours:
Mon-Thu. 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Stephanie's Bakery


Stephanie's Bakery is a delicious bakery that emphasizes "real food" baked goods. You will not find junky trans-fats or anything artificial in their products, instead you will find delicious, indulgent treats. Their specialty is strudel, and to be honest it is the only thing I've had there! That said, the strudel is so good I haven't had any reason to try anything else.

They have sweet strudel, like classic apple or strawberry, a San Diego favorite made with local fruit when in season. They also have savory strudels; my favorite is the spinach.

The cafe is pretty average; I don't recommend it for the atmosphere. Their strudels are sold at several locations, and I highly recommend this local product whenever you're in the mood for a snack or light meal. It is also a good deal, since it is made in bulk, costing only a few bucks for a large slice. Yum!

Stephanies Bakery
4879 Voltaire Street
Ocean Beach, San Diego

Eclipse Chocolat

This new store on El Cajon Boulevard, just a few blocks east of Park Boulevard, is a twee little chocolate chop and mini-cafe.

Their bon bon flavors include "Peppered Fig and Goat Cheese," a classic flavor combo for cheese, but interesting for chocolate. The pepper slightly out weighed the fig and goat cheese. "Rosemary and Peppermint" is a bit strong, and unless you're really into the minty types of flavors I suggest skipping it. There is also the Orange and Cointreau White Chocolate, Raspberry-Balsamic, and many more. They have about a dozen flavors in all.

The best chocolate on the menu when I went was by far the chocolate caramel with lavender scented sea salt. Caramel and salt go well together, and dipped with chocolate really tops of this subtle and rich bon bon. This same caramel chocolate ganache appears in milk chocolate with a pecan, and it is also very good. They were out of the caramel chocolate ganache with chili pepper, but I look forward to trying it soon.

Overall, I'd say the chocolates are fair to good. However, Eclipse Chocolat is still a worthwhile journey. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the cafe is pleasing to be in. They display local artists and quite good artists at that. It's not like some random shop with their friends' work on the wall. Eclipse hosts an array of talented artists in real exhibits. Their opening theme was "sugar" and they had many of San Diego's up and coming artists showing their work.

The ambiance is also appealing, with large comfy sofas in the color of dark chocolate. They support community efforts and natural ingredients. The walls are pleasant shades of pastels, and while their style is a little trendy, it is still aesthetically pleasing. The 1920s style silhouettes in fleur-de-lis style images is a bit on the up and up now, but it is a fashion I like. Their walls and packaging are adorned with this look, and clients will enjoy the comfortable atmosphere. Finally, they offer a wide range of teas and coffees, all very high quality products.

Eclipse Chocolat
http://eclipsechocolat.com/
2121 El Cajon Boulevard
San Diego, California
619.504.5310

Ritual Tavern

In the blossoming heart of North Park, another new restaurant (among the many) has recently opened. Ritual Tavern has reason to stand out among the up-and-coming North Park scene.

The owners, Michael Flores and Stacy know their food. They both have extensive experience in the many facets of the restaurant business, but more importantly they have a strong style and impeccable taste. The menu excludes the use of corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils, and emphasizes fresh and local ingredients when possible.

The Ritual Tavern has a subtle gothic feel to it, evoking a sense of magic when you enter. This is a surprise from the outside, which looks, on the contrary, vaguely diner-like. The decor is rich and warm, making you wonder if outside it is a sunny San Diego afternoon or a blustery evening in London.

Of course the most important thing to mention is the food. While the menu is currently limited, plans to expand the options are scheduled as the Ritual only recently opened. Still, even with the current short list, they serve up dishes for a wide variety of tastes and needs, from the rich (and gluten-free) shepard's pie with Colorado lamb (after all, who eats lamb from anywhere else?) to the home made veggie burger that I warn you to NOT put ketchup on because you don't want to miss out on the delicious flavors! They also have fish and chips (what kind of tavern would be without this?), and of course a wide variety (and continually windening) of beers, wines, and other refreshments.

The Ritual emphasizes local fare, and this extends to their list of beers from San Diego breweries (like Ale Smith and Ballast Point). The wine list is also nice, though doesn't currently feature California wines. They even serve Mexican Coca-cola for being made closer to San Diego and featuring real can sugar!

The final note: Don't miss dessert! At the Ritual they truly serve the best for last (and it starts off pretty damn good). The strawberry shortcake is truly shortcake, and it is divine. The buttery cake crumbles in your mouth and pairs perfectly with the gelato they serve. The bread pudding is delectable, with a bourbon caramel sauce that takes it to another level compared to most bread puddings.

Ritual Tavern
4095 30th Street
San Diego, CA 92104
619-283-1618
http://www.ritualtavern.com/

Dolci Mango

Dolci Mango is a new frozen yogurt shop in Pacific Beach, on Garnet Avenue. I was walking by the other day, actually thinking I would get myself a soft serve ice cream, because it's summer. The cute girls working there convinced me to try a free sample, and the free sample convinced me to get a frozen yogurt instead of an ice cream.

The most amazing thing about Dolci Mango's frozen yogurt is that it really tastes like yogurt. Most frozen yogurt is either bland or super-sweet tasting. This yogurt has a nice creamy tang to it, just like a good yogurt.

They only have two options for flavors of yogurt: plain and green tea. But then they have a whole bar of toppings you can choose from. They have fresh fruit, candy, crunchy stuff like cereal (including Captain Crunch). You pay per topping, or you can get 3 or more for the price of three.

The girls convinced me to get some fresh mango on top, and it was also really good, although the yogurt was so good that I liked it better plain. So I just ate the mango off the top and then ate the plain yogurt.

I will definitely be going back.

UPDATE:
Dolci Mangoe now typically has 4 flavors: Plain, Green Tea, Acai or Pomegranate, and Peanut Butter or Mango. It is true that Dolci Mango has some of the best plain fro-yo in San Diego. However, as reported in other yogurt reviews, it is still not good enough to justify the difference in price. Also, the experience is a let down compared to the self serve locations.

Dolci Mango
1420 Garnet Ave
(between Gresham St & Haines St)
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 483-6265

Cafe Japengo

Japengo used to be the hot La Jolla singles spot for Thursday night. And luckily it is not anymore, because that means I can enjoy going an ANY night of the week without fear of running into throngs of hoity-toities.

This Asian restaurant with a Japanese emphasis is located beneath the Hyatt La Jolla, just between the University Town Center mall and Interstate 5. There is a valet parking lot and attendant at the door, or you can usually find street parking on the street before turning into the lot.

Ask for a booth, the screens that divide the booths make for an intimate dining experience. Up to 5 can fit in a booth – they’ll pull a chair up on the end if you ask.

Pretty much everything on the menu is good. The sushi rolls are worth experimenting with and the new head chef has been concocting some interesting delights, like salted steak filets.

But the best part about dinner at Japengo isn’t dinner at all. It’s dessert. They offer several dessert samplers, which I recommend for the un-initiated. The chocolate sin boasts an array of the chocolate dessert, including a few items not for ordering a la carte, like a chocolate dream shot – creamy ice cream with chocolate and Bailey's in an icy shot glass. The larger dessert sampler also includes delights unavailable to order on their own, like the root beer float served in a martini glass.

Of course if you want to focus in, the chocolate lava cake is hands down the best flour-less chocolate cake I’ve had ANYWHERE, and the small one on the sampler doesn’t quite get the texture right. The assorted brulees are also delish, as are the gelatos (though not quite as grandiose). I recommend the tawny port to accompany dessert, especially if you are having anything chocolate.

Cafe Japengo 8960 University Center Lane, San Diego, CA 92122 Tel. 858.450.3355

Asian Progressive Dinner - La Jolla

Join my virtual self for a suggested night of La Jolla dining, making the rounds to FOUR La Jolla/UTC area Asian restaurants.

4:30pm start with drinks ($8-15) at

Zenbu
7660 Fay Ave., Ste. 1 La Jolla, CA 92037

5:15pm Then we'll have appetizers ($10-20) at

Roponngi
875 Prospect St (Cross Street: Bishop Lane)

7:00pm For main dish ($8-15/roll), we'll head over to

Sushi on the Rock
7734 Girard Avenue


And we'll finish off with dessert ($10-20) at

8:30 Japengo
8960 University Center Lane (at La Jolla Village Dr)


I've included approximate prices for the course suggested at each restaurant. If you choose to go on any day between Sunday and Thursday, Zenbu will have happy hour starting when they open at 4:30 with certain drinks on special. Also, Asian tapas are on happy hour at Roppongi from 4-6, which is why there isn't much time alloted at Zenbu. I assume this will make those stops significantly less.

The evening is part known deliciousness, and part adventure. Zenbu looks like it has a great bar and specialty drink and sake selection, although its prices in general are outrageously expensive (make this one a happy hour, for sure!). Roppongi's Asian tapas look intriguing, though they tend to change their menu often. Sushi on the Rock I know has excellent sushi, with lots of interesting vegetarian options, and Japengo has the best dessert menu in San Diego.

Mariposa Ice Cream in Normal Heights

Mariposa Ice Cream is a teeny little shop in the heart of Normal Heights, a block east of the giant “Normal Heights” neon sign (and therefore about a block east of Jyoti Bihanga Restaurant). The owners of Mariposa ice cream make some of the best ice cream this side of the Sierras.

The definition of gourmet ice cream, according to the American Ice Cream Association, is that the ice cream must contain at least 40% butterfat. That is what ice cream makers mean when they say gourmet. The gourmet ice creams have no regulations regarding quality or freshness, only a minimum fat content. Mariposa Ice Cream does not make gourmet ice cream by this definition. However, their ice cream is fresh, home made in small batches right there in the store, with a huge variety of creative flavors, made with all natural and high quality ingredients.

They offer all the usual flavors like chocolate, vanilla, chocolate chip cookie dough, and mint chip, as well their more imaginative flavors. Some of the more unique flavors that are not to miss are the white chocolate blackberry ripple, the Mexican chocolate, the maple walnut, and the peanut butter.

Their ice cream is egg free (except cookie dough). The ice cream is lower in sugar than most commercial ice cream, and it has less air! This means it has more real flavors and is not too sweet! The sherbet contains a small amount of low-fat milk, but the sorbet is all dairy-free!

The owners are a married couple. They create the flavors, make the ice cream, and serve it up. They do it all! They are super-friendly, and great supporters of the community. They support San Diego and the Normal Heights community in many ways, by donating ice cream, time, and money to local organizations, and especially local schools! They also give students of all ages a discount (with Students ID).

In addition to offering delicious ice cream they have really reasonable prices. It’s only $2 for a scoop unlike the gourmet places that are closer to $5. And Mariposa has a weekly special, making a special treat for a special price. They make ice cream pies for birth days and special occasion, sell their ice cream by the pint to take home, and even sell three-gallon tubs for really big parties! Mariposa also offers a full range of classic soda fountain ice cream dishes, like root beer floats, sundaes, banana splits, and so on. So if you’re looking for a fresh, quality, all natural ice cream, head over to little Mariposa and experience an ice cream lover’s dream come true!

Mariposa Ice Cream
3450 Adams Avenue
Normal Heights, San Diego
619-284-5197

Open most days 12pm-8pm
Saturdays and Sundays 2pm-8pm
Closed Tuesdays, major holidays, and occasionally for local events

Two San Diego Chocolatiers: Guanni and Chuao

San Diego chocolate lovers can boast about being the home of two top-notch gourmet chocolatiers: Guanni (Goo wan ee) and Chuao (Choo wow). Both these artisan chocolatiers use the highest quality South American cocoa, fresh fruit and other all-natural ingredients. Neither includes artificial flavors nor preservatives. The results are delicious, decadent, delightful chocolates.

Guanni is truly a one-woman show. Mariella Balbi creates the flavor combinations, makes the chocolates, and sells them herself at three farmers’ markets locations in San Diego. The chocolate making lineage goes back three generations to her great-grandmother, but all of her recipes are her own. She began Guanni chocolates in July 2003 and it is named after her three sons, Gianni, Guanalvaro and Ian. Balbi, originally from Lima, Peru, specializes in South American and Peruvian flavors. Her “Criollo” chocolate takes its headlining flavors from Peru’s traditional milk desert with cinnamon and vanilla, Manjar Blanco. Another Peruvian inspiration is Balbi’s “Pisco,” named after and created with the national drink of Peru, a grape brandy. Balbi’s top seller is “Cassis,” dark chocolate enrobed raspberries and cream of cassis ganache.

Balbi’s chocolates are made fresh every week, and she exclusively uses organic ingredients. They are low in sugar and high in antioxidants but still divine, making them an indulgence you can feel good about.

Chuao chocolatiers Michael Antonorsi and Brian Vandenbroucke use Venezuelan cocoa beans, but mix styles and flavors of the actual chocolates to include a number of traditionally French flavored chocolates with those of South America, as well as other parts of the world. Chuao is named after the region in Venezuela famous for producing high-quality cocoa beans.
An Asian influenced Chuao chocolate is their “Zen,” a ginger ganache infused with green tea in a dark chocolate shell. The “Tiramisu” is inspired from the famous Italian desert, with mascarpone cheese and coffee liquor butter cream. “Le Citron” blends lemon pulp with caramel and hint of mint, all covered in milk chocolate.

Artisan chocolatiers now outnumber independent drugstores in the United States, and the number is growing as consumers learn to appreciate the difference between grocery store chocolates and the higher-quality artisan chocolates. Just as vintners choose only prize grapes for their wines, chocolatiers search the world over to obtain the highest quality cocoa for their chocolates. And much like fine wine, which has gained popularity in the past few years, so are fine chocolates gaining respect and notoriety for their distinct flavors and qualities. These two chocolatiers are highly recommended to chocophiles, and to those who claim not to be chocolate lovers: watch out, you just might be converted.


Guanni Chocolates
www.guannichocolates.com
guannichocolates@san.rr.com
858.337.6805
Sold at San Diego Farmers’ Markets and select boutiques.
They also deliver; place orders by phone or email.

Hillcrest Farmers’ Market
Corner of Normal St and Lincoln (DMV's parking lot)
Sunday from 9:00 till 1:00 pm
www.hillquest.com

Chuao Chocolatier
www.chuaochocolatier.com
Info@chuaochocolatier.com

Chuao Chocolatier
The Lumberyard, Suite C-109
937 S. Coast Highway 101
Encinitas, CA 92025
1-888-635-1444

Store Hours:
Monday - Saturday 11 am. - 6 pm.
Sunday 10 am. - 4 pm.