Alright, so I’d been hearing some buzz about this place, Urban Dessert Lab, finally hitting Los Angeles. You know how it is, new dessert spot opens, and I’m pretty much obligated to investigate. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it, right? Especially when it’s something a bit different – they’re all about oat milk soft serve, which definitely caught my attention.
The Trek and First Impressions
Made my way over there on a weekday afternoon, hoping to beat any crazy rush. Parking in LA, well, you know the drill, but I managed to find a spot not too far off. Walking in, the place had a really clean, kinda minimalist vibe. Bright, not too fussy, which I appreciate. It wasn’t overwhelmingly crowded, so I could take a minute to actually look around and check out the menu without feeling like I was holding up a massive line.
The first thing I noticed was how good it smelled. Sweet, but not in an artificial way. You could tell they were making fresh stuff. The staff behind the counter seemed pretty chill, greeted me with a smile, which is always a good start.
Making the Crucial Decision
Now, the menu. It wasn’t overwhelmingly huge, but everything sounded tempting. They had a few signature combinations and also the option to build your own. I’m a sucker for something a bit decadent, so I was eyeing up their “Strawberry Shortcake” creation. But then, I saw they had a “Cookies & Creme” option too. Tough choices, people, tough choices.
I chatted with one of the folks there, asked what was super popular. They were really helpful, not pushy at all. Ended up going for their signature “Double Chocolate Cookie Crumble” – figured I couldn’t go wrong with chocolate on chocolate, especially with it being oat milk based. I was super curious about the texture.
The Moment of Truth: Tasting Time!
They swirled this thing up, and it looked fantastic. Piled high with the cookie crumble and a chocolate drizzle. I grabbed a spoon and dug in. Okay, seriously, this stuff is good. Really good.
- The texture was surprisingly creamy. I’ve had some dairy-free ice creams that can be a bit icy, but this was smooth.
- The oat milk base gives it a unique, slightly nutty flavor that I actually really enjoyed. It wasn’t trying to be dairy, it was its own delicious thing.
- The cookie crumble was legit, and the chocolate sauce was rich. Not too sweet, either, which was a plus.
I sat there and pretty much devoured the whole thing. No regrets. It’s pretty awesome that they’re making something so tasty that’s also plant-based. Means more people can enjoy it, which is cool. I’m not vegan myself, but I do like trying out plant-based alternatives, especially when they’re done this well.
Final Thoughts?
So, Urban Dessert Lab in LA? Yeah, I’d say it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s a cool spot, the dessert was top-notch, and it’s always nice to find places doing something a little innovative. I’ll for sure be back to try some of their other flavors. Maybe that Strawberry Shortcake next time. If you’re in the area and craving something sweet, give it a shot. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
