When Los Angeles, that dream-making, entertainment-creating, fantasy-delving-into capital of the galaxy takes on something new, it does it whole hog, or cow, rather, which makes more sense, since we're about to discuss ice cream.
Look to the opening of the Venice-based Salt & Straw, the Portland ice-creamery that's been at the forefront of the add-olive-oil, add-lavender, make-offbeat-flavors treat movement of the last few years.
We aren't going to simply welcome Salt & Straw in the usual ways; nope, in true fantastical LA style, the weather has gone full Portland for the shop's opening day, complete with overcast, drizzly skies and chill breezes.
That opening day was Friday, Jan. 15, and, again, like Portland, the brisk temperatures and gray clouds aren't keeping ice cream eaters away; they're out and eager to try flavors like Candied Clementine & Vanilla Beans.
The location? Make for 1357 Abbot Kinney Boulevard. This is actually the second Salt & Straw in Southern California, with the first finding its place on Larchmont Boulevard a couple of years back.
Where will you head now for your scoop of Freckled Woodblock Chocolate? Or your taste of Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache? Or to down a delicious cup full of Black Olive Brittle & Goat Cheese Ice Cream?
Hollywood or Venice will both do the regular shop staples thing, as far as the constant flavors go, as well as monthly specials, special ice creams that often reflect the time of year (like mincemeat ice cream at Christmas).
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So will it always be overcast and gray whenever you pop by a Salt & Straw for Portland-style ice cream? That we can't promise, but you should feel free to wear your funky Go Beavers socks or Hawthorne-hip knit cap while visiting the shop, just to get into the Oregon aura.
