My visit to LA was not primarily about food. Don’t misunderstand, living in LA all of those years ago I had some favorite eats, but that was before my now 14-plus-years food career. Social media has done its job; friends now make sure they offer recommendations whether I ask or not.
Driving home from a hike with the dogs (yes, I’m all-in in L.A.), my friend Joanna pointed out a shop in a strip mall. “They make soft-serve without chemicals.” Noted!
After my mandatory Sunset Boulevard drive to PCH, a beach walk-n-talk in Santa Monica with my friend Wendi, an official Baja Fresh craving and a scenic ride back east, some cold, smooth soft-serve entered my brain. I beelined straight to Magpies (@MagpiesLA, 2660 Griffith Park Blvd., www.magpiessoftserve.com).
Once inside I was hooked. The bright, clean space focused me on the changing menu written on a roll of brown craft paper with only seven flavors; most paired for suggested combinations. Tastes are limited to two per guest but the server saw my excitement and let me have at it.
Though tasting subtle Earl Grey tea, seasonal tart strawberry rhubarb and simple sweet cream flavors, the decision was clear when I saw banana and chocolate together again. The swirl of banana rum chocolate and their best-selling corn almond it would be. I could taste every note of those flavors together and separately, down to the gentle sting of some delicious rum.
Bless you Magpies! I shall return.