L.A.’s ice cream scene is on fire. The local offerings have always been superb (see: Fosselman’s, Carmela, and Scoops), but with national superstars like Columbus’ Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Portland’s Salt & Straw coming to town recently, there’s never been a better time to go out for a scoop, take home a pint, or better yet, both.

Founded by Jeni Britton Bauer in 2002, Jeni’s proudly makes every ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt “from the ground up” using milk from grass-grazed cows and local produce from small farms. Quality input means quality output—it’s as simple as that.

Whereas The Astronomer selected light and refreshing flavors on our visit, I desired something far more decadent. For him: one scoop of red raspberry sorbet and another of mango lassi frozen yogurt. Both were tart, tangy, and just sweet enough.

I went with the Charleston Sundae, which was comprised of Sweet Cream ice cream doused in salty caramel sauce and blackstrap molasses and topped with Virginia peanuts, whipped cream, an Amarena cherry, and a Convo Cookie.

The scoop of sweet cream was a little lost in this sea of ooey gooey goodness, but I didn’t really mind because this cup o’ heaven was awesomely indulgent and very delicious.

I saved the Convo Cookie for last. Made from waffle cone batter, the cute little cookie offered the perfect crispy-sweet finish.

I’ll be back to try the Brambleberry Crisp, which wasn’t available on my visit—I hear it’s…splendid.

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Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
1954 Hillhurst Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: 323-928-2668

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