As the eclectic culinary scene in Los Angeles continues to rage on, it is finally getting the recognition it deserves. The multifaceted culinary melting pot of Los Angeles has been represented and spurred on by the various cultures, talented chefs, and the hungry bellies that define the “Angeleno.” Lucky for us, they didn’t forget the dessert.
1. The Brioughnut – Confexion Cupcakes, Pasadena, CA
The Brioughnut is a play off the pastry that hit New York by storm, the Cronut. With layers of brioche dough deep fried to donuty goodness, the brioughnut boasts of a variety of fillings and flavors. From the special S’more brioughnut – filled with Hershey’s ganache and topped with toasted meringue to the Nutella inspired brioughnut – filled with Nutella pastry cream and topped with candied hazelnuts, the brioughnut is only available on Saturdays and Sundays.
11 W. Dayton St., Pasadena, CA 91105
2. Tres Leches – La Monarca Bakery, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Huntington Park, & Commerce, CA
Representing the Mexican heritage in Southern California, La Monarca Bakery serves up a variety of Mexican and Mexican inspired pastries and desserts. Of course we can’t talk about Mexican desserts without the mention of the moist and delicate Tres Leches – vanilla cake drenched in the Tres Leches concoction and topped with chantilly cream, this dessert is not to be missed.
1001 Mission St., South Pasadena, CA
3.Euro-Asian Fusion – WP24, DTLA, CA
Created by Pastry Chef Michael Aguilar, WP24’s fine dining desserts boast of Asian inspired flavors with both modern and classically French techniques. The seasonal menu includes the Summer Melon – Compressed Melons, Crunchy Matcha cake, Cucumber shiso sorbet, Jasmine air, and Yogurt sorbet to the German chocolate cake inspired Chocolate Coco Cake – Chocolate sponge, Coconut curry creme,Cocoa nib tuile, and Whiskey ice cream.
900 W Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles , California 90015.
4. Ice Box Cake – Magnolia Bakery, Los Angeles, CA
Known for they’re cupcakes, Magnolia Bakery hails from New York and has taken the hearts of many with their 1950’s inspired bake shop and classic mom-made desserts. One of which is the Ice Box Cake – simple, delicate and made to order, the ice box cake consists of freshly baked chocolate wafers layered in fresh whipped sweet cream. 8389 W 3rd St, West Hollywood, CA
5. Affogato – Scoops Westside, Culver City, CA
Hosting a variety of specialty flavors and options, Scoops Westside serves up ice cream to tickle your palatte paired with freshly brewed Intelligencia coffee. What could be better than the two? Of course Scoops ice cream IN your espresso! Enjoy an affogato at Scoops for a gourmet after dinner treat with your choice of ice cream.
3400 Overland Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90034.
6. Snow Cream – Blockheads Shavery, West LA, CA
The younger and more refined sister of shaved ice, Snow cream consists of a special milk based ice that is shaved ultra fine, shaved so fine the texture is reminicent of snow! [duh] Blockhead’s Shavery boasts of snow cream made from fresh ingredients and a healthy variety of toppings. Opt for a combo or create you own, Blockhead’s menu includes original, green tea, strawberry, and sesame snow to name a few.
11311 Mississippi Ave, Los Angeles, CA.
Photos credit: Natalie Woyshner & Stan Lee.