LB Food Review

I want to have a good body, but not as much as I want dessert… a little known comedian named Jason Love said that, and I could not agree more if I tried! I am a vegetarian, a runner and – yes, friend – a sugar fiend. Anyone who knows me can probably tell you I love doughnuts and I admittedly harbor a long-term dream to own a doughnut shop. Until my deep fried dreams come true, I have been given the opportunity to write about sweets. This comes at the same time as I embark on an adventure of a different color – running the Ragnar Relay. Ragnar is a 200 + mile relay race from Huntington Beach to Coronado Island with 11 other friends. The phrase “feel the burn” has more meaning when you are literally trying to burn off 3 doughnuts, an ice-cream sandwich and a cake pop! It’s Sugar High vs. Runner’s High – let the battle begin!

Without ice cream there would be darkness and chaos. That has never been truer than at Paradis. I have no idea how to pronounce it- paradise, paradiss, paradees? Whatever, after one taste it won’t matter. Paradis is a homemade ice cream shop specializing in fresh made, unique flavors that are to die for. I went on a quiet Monday night and hit the jackpot when David welcomed me with a warm smile and a cup full of taster spoons! “Taste what ever you want,” he said. Ooohhhh, David, aren’t you a dear. Mint-lime? OK! Marshmallow? Don’t mind if I do! Coffee Chocolate Chip? Heck yes! The problem? It was all amazing*.

After chatting it up with my new BFF, David, I learned that Paradis belongs to his older brother, and is part of a franchise that originated in Denmark. The Long Beach location is awesome and one of only 4 in the United States! They make all the ice-cream, including vegan selections, fresh every single day. Did you catch that last part? Every day! I felt like Animal from the Muppets wanting to scream and flail my arms like a maniac! SUGAR!!!

I had a tough time choosing (duh) but finally chose the Peanut-butter Carmel Chocolate Chip in a combo with Marshmallow. OK, I know what you are thinking and yes, I am 5 years old. It was nothing short of magical! Harry Potter would have been impressed. Paradis only whips 20% air into their ice cream, which makes it ridiculously creamy. If that isn’t enough, the fresh (local when possible!) ingredients are brought to life by fresh dairy milk. When I exclaimed that the Marshmallow tasted like Marshmallow, David looked at me as if I was nuts and simply stated, “Oh, yeah, well there is a huge bag of Marshmallows in there.” Of course there is, David. Of course.
The portion was perfect, and at $3.50 for a single serving you won’t break the bank. Paradis also give its patrons the opportunity to bring some of that creamy goodness home to share (or hoard). And if you are indecisive like me, there is the Lovebox, with the option for 6 flavors – everybody wins!

If you are in the Belmont Shore area and hankering for a treat, skip the frozen yogurt and opt for some fresh made ice cream. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Score
Sugar High : 1
Runner’s High: 0

*Because they use fresh ingredients, and make the ice cream every day, flavors vary – just in case you go and can’t get some of the flavors listed here, don’t curse my name. Just be grateful they made it just for you.