Fresh Shrikhand at Namaste Spiceland

Fro-yo girl here. I can’t stop going to Namaste Spiceland. They recently posted a sign by the register that says Fresh Shrikhand Available. Shrikhand is an Indian dessert that’s basically strained, sweetened yogurt. Namaste Spiceland sells it by weight. Ask for a sample, if you’re curious.

* Fresh shrikhand: The fresh shrikhand was better than the frozen shrikhand from India that I purchased. The texture wasn’t chewy but it was thick and creamy, thicker than Greek yogurt. It was quite sweet but not as sweet as the frozen shrikhand. They added saffron, sugar, crushed pistachios, sliced almonds, and cardamom. The nice part was that the yogurt still had a little tang, so it tasted like yogurt. Saffron was the predominant spice. It was still too sweet for me, but I can handle it in small quantities. The owner recommended eating it with salt, pepper, and a paratha. I've been eating it with plain yogurt, to cut the sweetness. Mr. Froyo enjoyed it and didn't find it too sweet, surprisingly.

Here is a recipe for shrikhand that I found: https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/shrikhand-recipe/

3 out of 5 stars.

* NAMASTE SPICELAND: 270 N Hill Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Vadilal Quick Treat Shrikhand Frozen Yogurt Review

Fro-yo girl here. Pasadena finally has its own Indian grocery store! Namaste Spiceland opened recently. It’s clean and organized inside, with about 1/3 of the space devoted to their vegetarian deli/restaurant with ample seating. They carry an impressive amount of Indian imports. I noticed Gulab Jamun ice cream and then more recently, I spotted shrikhand frozen yogurt in the freezer case. Vadilal Quick Treat is imported from India.

Shrikhand is a traditional Indian (Gujarati/Maharashtrian) sweet dish made of strained yogurt, sugar, and cardamom. It’s not frozen. I’ve never had it.

Namaste Spiceland carried three flavors of Vadilal Quick Treat Shrikhand Frozen Yogurt in 16 oz packages for $5.99 each. The flavors were:

• Elaichi (Cardamom)
• Kistar Pista (Saffron & Pistachio)
• Alphonso Mango

* Cardamom shrikhand frozen yogurt: Indian desserts tend to be very sweet, and this frozen yogurt was intensely sweet. The texture was odd – super dense, very chewy, and thick. I’ve never had such chewy frozen yogurt. I could taste the floral cardamom notes but the sweetness, heaviness, and chewiness were overwhelming. I’ve never had frozen yogurt with buffalo milk and butter in it. I like a light, refreshing frozen yogurt. Frozen shrikhand is the opposite.

Ingredients (Cardamom flavor): Nonfat milk (cow & buffalo milk), cane sugar, butter, cardamom, lactobacillus culture.

One serving is 6.5 tbsp, 230 calories, 5g fat, 43g carbohydrate, and 43g sugar.

The owner/manager of Namaste Spiceland said shrikhand is supposed to be sweet and recommended eating it with a paratha, salt, and pepper. The savory helps tone down the sweetness.

I noticed that Namaste Spiceland has fresh shrikhand...have to check it out.

2.5 out of 5 stars.

* NAMASTE SPICELAND: 270 N Hill Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Gopi Rosewater Lassi Review

Fro-yo girl here. I’ve seen Gopi yogurt and lassi drinks quite a few times but the Gopi rosewater lassi caught my eye because I hadn’t seen it before. I found it at the new Namaste Spiceland in Pasadena. They had three lassi flavors: Rosewater, mango and plain. The drinks are 1 pint each and they sell for $1.49. The drinks, which are distributed by Karoun Dairies, are made with California milk that hasn’t been treated with rbST.

* Rosewater lassi: This was so good – not too thick and not too thin and watery. I could taste the plain yogurt flavor and the subtle floral almost fruity rosewater flavor. It was tangy, sweet and not too heavy.

Ingredients: Pasteurized milk & cream, water, sugar, whey protein concentrate, sodium citrate, disodium phosphate, carrageenan, guar gum, salt, whey powder, corn starch, standardized with dextrose, tapioca starch, milk solids, natural flavors, fruit & vegetable juice (color), and potassium sorbate to maintain freshness. Contains live active cultures.

One bottle contains 2 servings. Each serving has 229 calories, 10g total fat, 31g total carbohydrate, 30g total sugars, and 6g protein. Yes, one serving does have a lot of sugar. 

I've tried different kinds of yogurt drinks and I think lassis are the best kind of yogurt drink.

4 out of 5 stars.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

* NAMASTE SPICELAND: 270 N Hill Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Abali Yogurt Drink Review

Fro-yo girl here. I’ve seen bottled yogurt drinks for years at Middle Eastern restaurants and grocery stores. I bought one a long time ago and didn’t like it. I think it was carbonated yogurt soda. Then I saw the yogurt drink on the menu at Sunnin Lebanese Café (1776 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA) and I was convinced to try it since they said they made it there. I enjoyed their yogurt drink, which tasted like plain yogurt thinned with water and sprinkled with mint leaves. It was savory rather than sweet and it complemented their food.

Based on that positive experience, I decided to take a closer look at bottled yogurt drinks. There are carbonated (yogurt soda) and non-carbonated (yogurt drink) versions. They usually come in two flavors, plain and mint. 

I’ve mostly seen yogurt drinks from Abali and Karoun in this area. Karoun’s yogurt drink has more sodium than Abali’s (762mg vs 600mg per cup). One bottle is 16 fl oz. I found the drink for $1.19 at Armen Market in Altadena, CA.

The Abali yogurt drink has a best by date and directions to shake well before use. One 8 ounce serving is 110 calories and 2.5g total fat. It tasted like sour plain yogurt with salt. The mint flavor is nice. It’s the right consistency too – not too thick but similar to milk. Drinking it made me thirsty, probably because of the salt. It definitely tasted more natural and more like real yogurt than Japanese and Korean yogurt drinks like Yakult.

Ingredients (Mint): Low fat milk, water, salt, mint extract, active yogurt cultures). 

I still think it’s too salty but diluting it further with ice cubes would help. It seems easy enough to make at home. Traditionally one combines equal parts yogurt and water and then adds salt and dried mint to taste.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry. 

Future Froyo Shop Pictures: Go Greek Yogurteria at Glendale Galleria

Fro-yo girl here. Glendale Galleria is the fourth largest mall in Los Angeles, but it feels like the busiest. You could get your froyo fix at Haagen Dazs or go across the street to Pinkberry at the Americana. Menchie’s is also nearby in downtown Glendale.

A new froyo option is coming soon to the 2nd floor of Glendale Galleria. Go Greek Yogurteria, the authentic Greek frozen and fresh yogurt mini chain, is opening a kiosk near the center of the mall (by JC Penney and Green Crush). You can’t get any more authentic when it comes to Greek yogurt because they import their yogurt from Greece and they have Greek toppings. The original location opened in Beverly Hills. There are two other locations in Santa Monica and The Village at Topanga in Woodland Hills.

With the fresh yogurt, you can go sweet or savory and build your own bowl with 0%, 2% and 10% fat versions of imported Greek yogurt.

I saw one froyo machine there but it looks like there will be room for three, so they should have 6 flavors a day. They’ll carry the house flavors of Greek Honey, Plain Tart, Chocolate, and Wild Berry with two other flavors from their Rotational and Seasonal flavors. It is self-serve. The froyo is made with 2% or 10% fat Greek yogurt. The toppings are healthier (fresh fruit, dried fruit, cocoa nibs, chocolate chips, premium sauces, Greek biscuits, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, nuts, peanut chews, granola, coconut). According to the sign, it will be 85 cents an ounce.

The kiosk looks almost ready to open. I'm pretty sure I didn't see it when I was at the mall doing my Christmas shopping, but I rarely go up to that part of the second floor.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

* GO GREEK YOGURTERIA, 100 W Broadway, Glendale, CA 91210

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Smoothie Beauty Mask Review

Fro-yo girl here. My dedication to yogurt extends to beauty products with yogurt. Recently, I spotted Smoothie Beauty masks in the refrigerator at Riley Rose at the Glendale Galleria.

NYC-based Smoothie Beauty launched earlier this year with a line of fresh, organic food-based face masks that can be delivered to your door. There’s also an option to add Smoother Boosters (superfoods or natural ingredients) to the masks to boost the effectiveness of the masks. The line is all natural. It’s like a mask you could whip together on your own, only they’ve done all the work for you.

Riley Rose had several kinds of masks and some Smoother Boosters too. Only one of the masks didn’t have Greek yogurt. The masks were .85 fl oz and $10.50 each and one packet contains enough for two applications. The ingredients reminded me of ones you’d see in a smoothie. All their products are actually safe to eat and have a best by date stamped on. Once you open the packet, you should use the contents within six days.

* Sunrise mask (for brightening): The mask had just a few ingredients: whole milk Greek yogurt, turmeric, whole grain oats, raw active manuka honey, and lemon juice and peel. The packet looked small but the mask was creamy, so a little went a long way. I left it on for 15 minutes. I didn’t like the scent, which is a big problem, since I kept smelling it on my face. It was something about the odor of the oats and honey that I didn’t find pleasant. The mask was cold and creamy. After washing it off, my skin did feel a bit more moisturized and definitely tighter. It didn’t seem brighter but that probably takes multiple applications to see. 

I thought I applied the mask generously to my face and neck, but I had a fair amount left after two applications. 

Since I didn’t like the scent, I wouldn’t buy it again. Plus, the ingredients are so simple that I could have made the mask myself. But, I appreciate the fact that the mask was all natural and organic.

Update: I haven't seen any Smoothie Beauty products at Riley Rose lately. The fridge where Smoothie Beauty products were kept is now filled with beverages.

4 out of 5 stars.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

* RILEY ROSE: 2131 Galleria Way, Glendale, CA 91210

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Ettang Korean Yogurt Mask Review

Fro-yo girl here. I spotted Ettang modeling cup masks at Riley Rose at the Glendale Galleria. Maneki Neko also carries Ettang masks. Their face masks come in powdered form in cups. Most of the writing on the packaging was in Korean, so I had to do some online research to learn how to use the mask that I purchased. However, once I opened the mask, there were instructions in English on the inside. The masks were $4 each at Riley Rose. One cup is 17 g.

Each type of mask has a different benefit:

• Acerola: brightens skin
• Chlorella: soothes skin
• Calendula: hydrates skin
• Charcoal: controls sebum
• Collagen: improves elasticity
• Mulberry: smooths and brightens skin
• Propolis: protects skin
• Yogurt: smooths and firms skin

One cup contains enough for one use. You take the powder out of the cup, add water to the cup to the line, add the powder back, and mix it quickly with the spatula that it comes with. It’s easy to transport and use anywhere. It’s too bad you need a separate container for the powder though.

Once you add the water, mix for a minute. It dries quickly, so be sure to apply it quickly. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes. Peel off the mask and the residue.

The mask has no added parabens or chemical preservatives. It is supposed to shrink pores and leave your skin moist and elastic. It contains rubber.

* Yogurt Cup Pack: The yogurt mask is said to leave your skin smoother, with a bright skin tone and glossy finish. The mask did dry quickly and I couldn’t get all the lumps out. It had little fragrance and applies like a thick paste or glue. Because of the clumpiness, it was pretty ugly once applied. The color was a pale purple. Not all of the mask peeled off easily, so it was messy. My skin did feel softer but just a little.

3 out of 5 stars.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

* RILEY ROSE: 2131 Galleria Way, Glendale, CA 91210

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

International/National Frozen Yogurt Day 2018 Recap

Fro-yo girl here. How much froyo can I possibly eat in one day? That’s what I wondered when I learned that so many shops were celebrating International/National Frozen Yogurt Day on February 6.
Yogurtland is clearly the most excited about IFYD – with the special IFYD cups, 2 new flavors (see my earlier post for a review of Chocolate Malt Ball Ice Cream and Chocoate Wafer Bar Froyo), new toppings, Hershey’s IFYD spoons, and a coupon. The cup design even matched the new froyo flavors and new toppings. Talk about being overachievers!

Each guest received a 5 oz cup to fill up. I had to wait so long for toppings that I forgot to look for the Kit Kats and Whoppers. I’m pretty sure that I saw Whoppers. The coupon is for $1 off.

My shop was organized as usual, though guests took forever to choose toppings. Yogurtland Pasadena Lake Ave. employees and the owner are so friendly and kind. 

Menchie’s had an all day buy one, get one free offer but no new flavors or cups. I guess there are no new promotional flavors for February? They did have some Paddington Movie signs. I didn’t get a coupon this year. However, I do like that they had the NFYD posters and also a handwritten chalkboard sign announcing the NFYD offer.

Pinkberry had a BOGO offer on Original Tart with toppings for Pinkcard holders good all day on Feb. 6. I was surprised to see no signs at the shop. Pinkcard holders were notified via email. The shop looked the same with no visible acknowledgement of NFYD. I wasn’t told about the offer when I pulled out my Pinkcard. But there was a nice surprise waiting for me via email, the surprise gift from Pinkberry, 3 free swirls. 

Thank you to all the froyo shops that celebrate International or National Frozen Yogurt Day! Special thanks to Yogurtland, Yogurtland Pasadena (Lake Ave!), Menchie’s, and Pinkberry.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Save the Date for International/National Frozen Yogurt Day 2018

Fro-yo girl here. It’s almost time for my favorite day of the year, International/National Frozen Yogurt Day. This year will mark the seventh annual International Frozen Yogurt Day (formerly known as National Frozen Yogurt Day) at Yogurtland and yes, they’ll have free froyo, free soft serve ice cream, and free toppings from 4 PM – 7 PM on Tuesday, February 6. 

For IFYD 2018, Yogurtland will have two new limited time flavors, Chocolate Malt Ball Ice Cream made with Whoppers® and Chocolate Wafer Bar Frozen Yogurt made with KitKat®. The two new toppings are mini KitKats and Whoppers. Guests will receive special IFYD 5 oz cups to fill with their choice of froyo, ice cream, and toppings. Also, the Hershey's chocolate bar spoons will be back for the special day.

Menchie’s will also be celebrating National Frozen Yogurt Day again, with a buy one, get one free offer that’s good all day on February 6. No coupon is necessary, but it can’t be combined with other offers. I think they’ll also hand out a coupon for a future visit.

Pinkberry is offering a buy one, get one free deal just for Pinkcard holders and a surprise reward on Feb. 6.

For updates of International/National Frozen Yogurt Day celebrations, check out the list from the International Frozen Yogurt Association: http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/news/international-national-frozen-yogurt-day-2018/

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.