We all know that everything is not what it seems, ESPECIALLY on social media. These days, it has become a common source for businesses who seek to advertise their delicacies to budding foodies everywhere. This is exactly why I decided to review a couple of these seemingly too-good-to-be-true places in the LA and OC area — which are all the rage online right now.
1. Birthdae cake
This dessert shop located in Silver Lake sells everything from rainbow boba to mini pancakes, but they’re most famously known for selling edible cookie dough—because who hasn’t wished to eat the raw delicacy without the risk of getting Salmonella or E. coli? Totally just did wonders for your appetite, didn’t I? The place itself is pretty comfortable and is embellished with angel wings wall art. But alas, I’m afraid to say that this is a place that does not need favoriting on your maps. The cookie dough is at room temperature, which I guess depends on preference. Even if that doesn’t bother you, the flavors aren’t as spectacular as they sound. I mean, you'd think the "Cookie Monster" dough would be more ferociously flavorful. The teas were decent; my friend and I agreed we’ve had better… but this place is not known for their great teas, more so for their cool looking desserts. So, I also had the cookie dough ice cream sandwich and I was extremely disappointed. It seemed like it had been sitting in a fluctuating freezer for too long. When I bit into it I heard the crunch of ice crystals…I then realized most things on the menu here were either hit or miss.
Final verdict: if you’re gonna go here, be prepared to leave only being happy with the cool pics you took of your color vibrant desserts.
Recommend: rainbow boba with Thai tea,
2. Hello Kitty Café
This business is actually a
Final verdict: worth it for a fan or to appease the kid in you, but if you aren’t into the brand you will not be impressed.
Recommend: birthday sprinkle cake (ideally to share) and peach iced tea.
3. Cauldron Ice Cream
This business has two locations, one in Santa Ana and one in Artesia. The store website describes the shop as “the home of the OG puffle,” which is a very OC thing to pronounce. The puffle cone, which they offer as a pairing to their ice cream selections, can best be described as a cake-like, Belgian waffle cone. They are also popular for shaping their ice cream like roses. I actually really enjoyed the dessert, and their notoriety doesn’t stop with the cool cones because they also have unique ice cream flavors. The Cauldron is a classic that you can’t go wrong with, a grey colored, safe cinnamon vanilla flavor with Oreo cookie pieces. It is—dare I say—the most photogenic dessert of them all. Then there are more gregarious ones like cirque de la crème, which is a circus cookie themed ice cream flavor.
Final verdict: 10/10 do recommend, as these desserts pass the aesthetic and taste test.
Recommend: Vietnamese coffee ice cream with a red velvet puffle cone.
4. Horchateria Rio Luna
Located in the city of Paramount, this drink and dessert shop is not only a picture-perfect paradise where you can take the cutest avis with your fun treats, but it also appeals to a wide audience, from Horchata drink lovers to Star Wars fans. Curious? You’ll have to go and find out what I mean. Offering vegan options and Horchata inspired drinks, such as an Horchata iced coffee, the shop also sells churro sundaes as well as concha ice cream sandwiches. So, I wouldn’t just come here for the snap-worthy treats, but also for the culture embodied, because whether you are Hispanic or not, this place is a spectacle worth witnessing. The store is adorned with beautiful artwork, all contributed by local artists. They also sponsor many merchants that make Mexican inspired products, anything from a Selena themed loteria, to Frida pens, you can find here.
Final Verdict: this I can vouch will definitely be worth the trip, the place truly is a cultural gem you gotta treat yourself to.
Recommend: Oaxacan horchata and the vegan friendly churros
5. Amazebowls
An acai bowl shop located on the outskirts of LA's Art District (and a location in Venice), Amazebowls has gained traction for their cute presentable take on the superfood craze: an acai bowl-ed inside a coconut half, adorned with edible flowers and dried fruit. If you're really in the vibe to feel like you're eating on a tropical island, then sure, give Amazebowls a shot! The store is pretty small, but clean and pristine, with a clever and humorous neon sign on the wall.
Final Verdict: Other than the cute look of the treat, there is not much to this business. I mean, you don't have to travel downtown just to satisfy your acai craving. Unless you're in it for the pics and to be a little extra, I'd skip this spot.
Recommend: Make sure to let them know if you do want your acai bowl in the coconut; otherwise, they won't prepare it for you that way.
6. Milk and T
This boba and bubble tea house, situated in the heart of Little Tokyo, is by far one of my favorite places. Originally a self-serve truck, the business has expanded, giving up its wheels for a solid ground store. Boba and teas are everywhere, I know, but what makes this place so unique, and what has given it such a large following, is how customizable your drink can be. While they have many amazing tea creations you can choose from, like the Lady Bug, you can also concoct your own by choosing a black or green tea base, deciding on the level of sweetness you want your refreshment, and more. You can also add pudding, jelly, chia seeds, literally anything you can think of that would level up your boba drink.
Final Verdict: Do yourself a favor and get your boba fix here!
Recommend: the fruit teas are amazing, but you can’t go wrong with getting their classic milk tea, which you should totally spruce up with a scoop of coffee flavored ice cream!
