La Jolla’s Sweet Life
In addition to San Diego’s most beautiful beaches, La Jolla’s Sweet Life offers some of the city’s most delicious desserts.
My husband and I both love frozen yogurt and, while Froglander’s on Pearl Street has been our perennial favorite, a newcomer in La Jolla Shores is giving them some tough competition. Yogurt Escape, tucked among the kayak rentals on Avenida de la Playa offers unusual flavors such as pomegranate raspberry and other fruity delights. Because they are open from 11am to 10pm, lots of locals wander in for an after-dinner treat. Having said that, the peanut butter and the dark chocolate frozen yogurt at Froglander’s is still my definition of nirvana.
When it comes to cakes, the only game is town is Michele Coulon Dessertier on Fay Avenue in the village. Her carrot cake made with organic carrots, walnuts, crushed pineapple and coconut with cream cheese frosting is the stuff of sweet dreams – and I have a friend who feels the same way about her lemon marbled cheesecake.
Cookies? My favorites are made by 410 Degrees and sold at the Open Aire Farmers Market on Girard Avenue every Sunday from 9am to 1pm. Derek Jaeger and his partner Adam Koven offer their signature PB Overload, which contains Reese’s chips and a thick peanut butter crème, a lemon basil cookie made with candied macadamia nuts and dried berries, and several other yummy varieties.
If you are in need of a good cookie and it isn’t Sunday, try Girard Gourmet on – surprise – Girard Avenue. Co-owner François Goedhuys designs decorated cookies that are fun for holidays and special occasions.
Cup Cakes? No contest. La Jolla’s Sweet Life can be found at Cups Lounge on Girard Avenue (pictured above) which offers “sweet beats and treats.” Customers can sit at the open air bar facing onto the street or at little plastic tables that are just right for pint-sized consumers. Cups’ pastry chefs use organic ingredients and create such delicacies as a pumpkin cardamom cupcake topped with chocolate frostings and pepita brittle.
Cups and Michele Coulon Dessertier tied for “Best Dessert” in a recent La Jolla Village News poll, but they offer very different surroundings. I suggest you head to Cups when you’re feeling especially young at heart and visit Michele Coulon when you’re feeling seriously self-indulgent.
I’d love to hear what you think of La Jolla’s sweet options. Will you post a comment and share your experiences?
Category: desserts, Farmers Market
About the Author (Author Profile)
I live in La Jolla and I'm a travel writer, so in addition to enjoying my home town's great weather, beautiful surroundings, and range of cultural and recreational options, I also see La Jolla - and the rest of San Diego - as a travel destination. And what I see sometimes drives me batty. People vacation in La Jolla, but don't take advantage of everything our community offers, so I decided to start this blog and provide insider advice for out-of-towners. Hey. I figure if I can write insider tips about exotic destinations on Authentic Luxury Travel, I ought to be able to lead readers off the beaten path that starts just outside my front door. In the process, I'm having fun revisiting my favorite places and discovering some new ones. Travel writers are naturally snoopy, and this blog is my excuse to have a good ol' sticky beak around my home town. I hope you find it helpful. If you are coming to La Jolla or another area of San Diego and would like my help in planning your trip, please read "Need Help Planning Your Trip" and then email me at ehansen298@aol.com. Elizabeth HansenSubscribe
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“La Jolla’s Sweet Life”, is a very clever and resourceful site. I will keep this on hand to offer to our guest family and friends.
Thank you, Elizabeth.
Carol McCabe (Mission Beach resident)