From left : fresh fruit soft serve at The Stand Natural Foods ; Dolce Gelato has 32 flavors . |
|||
S ummertime in Laguna Beach typically means enjoying a day of fun in the sun — and whether you ’ re frolicking in the waves , going for a hike or lounging on the sand with a book , one of the best ways to cool off on a hot summer day is to indulge in a frozen treat . Luckily , there are plenty of options to choose from in Laguna , from sweet treats like gelato and ice cream ( including newcomer South Swell Hand Dipped Ice Cream ) to healthy acai bowls . Here are a few local favorites to help you beat the heat .
THE STAND NATURAL FOODS Serving vegan food in Laguna since 1975 , The Stand Natural Foods is the perfect place to take a seat under a shady tree with ocean
|
views and dine on delicious snacks , like the fresh fruit soft serve . It is made entirely out of frozen fruit , with no sugar added , and comes in a variety of flavors , such as banana , strawberry , blueberry , peach and pineapple ; you can even mix two flavors together . Owner Alizabeth Arciniaga says that watermelon is particularly popular during the summer months . “ It tastes like you ’ re eating fresh watermelon ,” she says . “ Since fruit is the only ingredient , the sweetness depends on how sweet the organic fruit is .” The frozen fruit is run through a special juicer to make a consistency that is similar to soft serve ice cream . To add some crunch , choose from toppings like organic almonds , dates , vegan chocolate chips or shredded coconut . ( 949-494-8101 ; thestandnaturalfoods . com ) |
DOLCE GELATO For a handcrafted , made-from-scratch frozen treat , Dolce Gelato is the place to go . The shop offers 32 different flavors of traditional gelato as well as almond milk and vegan sorbet varieties , plus house-made fruit cobblers that are best served a la mode . Chef Lindsey Nelsen makes fresh , innovative flavors in the on-property kitchen with a unique theme and new options each month . “ We like to make flavors that are fun and excite people ,” says owner Safa Alawi . Past themes have included Star Wars , gods and goddesses of love , and “ Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory ,” with flavors such as Imperial Stormtrooper , Eros and Everlasting Gobstoppers . Made using premium ingredients , including milk , cream and sugar , gelato has less fat than ice cream plus no artificial colors or flavors . Cooked and then slow churned , it is also creamier than ice cream . ( 949-715-9249 ; gelatobydolce . com ) |
FROM LEFT : COURTESY OF THE STAND NATURAL FOODS ; SHARAEL KOLBERG |
32 LAGUNABEACHMAGAZINE . COM |