Category Archives: Ice Cream and Beyond

iDessert

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Before I was in San Diego, I did some searching through Instagram and I saw this image of these hanging meringues, that looked like stunning ornaments. After clicking through to see what they actually were, I found that they belonged to a new dessert spot called iDessert in Little Italy.

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Now, I was plenty excited about the meringues, but, it turns out, the meringues, or “Crusts”, are mainly the vessel to create your own dessert concoction. You create your dessert by iPad, choosing a number of flavors and combinations that go in the order of: Crust, Gelato, Cake, Cream/Sauce/Fruit. It’s an extremely visual and fun sounding/looking dessert. So, I’m pretty bummed I didn’t get the whole shebang, but, I just wrapped up a farmer’s market, sampling lots of goods, and then a full lunch, so, my stomach just couldn’t do the full experience (since, you need to eat it upon creation, since, you know, it’s perishable and meltable). However, I wasn’t walking out empty handed.

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I ordered one of their Crusts/Meringues, and got the Oreo. Visually, it’s so unique and fun. One way, it looks like a little dome, and flip it upside down and you have a little cup for snacks, candy, a scoop of ice cream at home, I mean, lots of possibilities. For me, I just ate it au natural. The meringue itself is crisp, but melts in your mouth. This flavor was delicately chocolate flavored, topped with crumbled Oreo cookies and drizzled with an icing of sorts. It makes for a great little light, sweet treat, without leaving you full. I mean, unless you get the full dessert, which, could be a different story. 

The Shorts:
Name: iDessert
Location: 1608 India Street, San Diego
The Long and Short: Would I go back? Yes, and next time I’ll 100% get the full dessert, even if I’m stuffed to the max.
Would I recommend it? For sure. It’s a very cool experience, where you can create your own unique dessert with lots of different components and textures. The customer service was great and the staff was very friendly, and can walk you through all the steps, since it can be a little overwhelming at first. 

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Underwest Donuts

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I love donuts. Like, so much. I tried to go to Underwest Donuts about a year ago, when they first opened. However, I made the mistake of arriving a little tardy for the party, and they were all sold out of donuts. Saddest day. And while it’s taken me an eternity to get back there, I finally made it (cue the noise makers and confetti). 

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So, one of the things that makes them unique and noteworthy is their location. They’re right inside a carwash, so, you know, get your car washed and snag an artisanal cake donut while you’re at it.

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I tried four of their flavors (clockwise from upper left), Halva, Maple Waffle, Carwash Donut, Brown Butter.

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First up, we’ve got the Carwash Donut, paying homage to it’s location. It has a light flavor, the simplest of the bunch, and a nice texture, a balance of airiness and density from the cake consistency.

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Up next is the Maple Waffle. You immediately smell the warm maple scent. The maple flavor itself is subtle, and I enjoyed the addition of texture from the crumble on top, along with the Stroopwafel, topping it off like a little angel on a Christmas tree. 

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Then, I had the Brown Butter. I really liked this one, you get the brown butter flavors, and the shaved almonds on top add a nice contrast of texture and added flavor. 

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Finally, I had the Halva, which was my favorite of the bunch. Topped with halva itself, the sweet sesame flavor is on point, delivering one delicious cake donut. 

The Shorts:
Name: Underwest Donuts
Location: 638 West 47th Street, NYC
The Long and Short: Would I go back? Even though I don’t have a car, I’d come back for the donuts. Grab a little bag of them and head across the street to the Intrepid to snack with a view.
Would I recommend it? While the location isn’t the easiest to get to (if you’re not driving), it’s definitely worth the trip.