Handel’s anniversary is fast approaching, starting on a sweltering summer day in 1945; the business, located in Redondo Beach, has been gaining great recognition nationally, and has been dubbed by many to be “one of the best ice cream parlors in the country,” according to its website. Its rich, sweet ice cream is made fresh daily, drawing in crowds of sweet-toothed customers. On Tuesdays, the line is exceptionally long since each cone is only $2, drawing in poor college students and business executives alike. From Graham Central Station to Peach – a summer only item – they have every flavor you have ever salivated for especially on those warm summer days. Their natural approach is evident with each delightful bite. As the weather continues to further reflect the summer season, Handel’s is becoming an increasingly enticing option to help offset this hot summer weather.

It’s common for toppings — like syrups, candies, and fruit — to be put on top of ice cream. For true ice cream enthusiasts, this presents a problem. Yes, at first it is like a symphony in your mouth; the taste buds are the musicians and the ice cream is the composer. The ice cream-to-topping ratio is delectably tasteful. Depending on the generosity of the ice cream scooper, the toppings could be nearly overflowing the cup, instigating high customer satisfaction. On the other hand, a few bites inverse the ratio; there is not nearly enough toppings per bite. Cold Stone’s approach to ice cream fixes that problem. The Cold Stone artists thoroughly mix in the toppings into the ice cream, crafting every bite to have the optimal ice cream-to-topping ratio. Although there are not as many choices of ice cream flavors as Handel’s, this is offset by the variety of toppings – from graham cracker piecrust to apple pie filling. There is a wide range of signature creations including Mud Pie Mojo, a caffeine and chocolaty centered treat, and Strawberry Banana Rendezvous, an incredibly fruity and light tasting flavor.

Although ice cream has a special place in many peoples’ hearts, frozen yogurt is a healthier alternative for those who enjoy indulging on sweets frequently. Pinkberry produces both tart and fruity flavors – perfect for summer – and sweet and smooth flavors such as hazelnut. When Pinkberry first opened up its doors, it was quickly named one of the trendiest places for frozen dessert; high profile celebrities were often seen indulging in Pinkberry desserts, the atmosphere was very modern, and the flavors were very unique. When it started up, there were not many flavors on the menu, and it stayed away from traditional frozen yogurt flavors like chocolate and vanilla bean. However, this has changed in recent years; yes, there is still an ever-present focus on fresh and artificially free ingredients. Some seasonal favorites we can expect this summer are Pomegranate and Mango. Now their menu includes frozen yogurt shakes, greek yogurt, smoothies, and, at select locations, shaved ice.

As evident from the survey we did, Yogurtland is the place to be. It is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop that offers a wide myriad of flavors and toppings. The self-serve part is especially important since it allows ice cream enthusiasts to go especially crazy with toppings. The flavors are non-fat or low fat, and frozen yogurt is brimming with probiotics, vitamins, calcium, and active cultures. Although there are a great deal of traditional flavors – such as Geneva Chocolate and Blueberry Tart – there are a great deal of distinctive and unique flavors, including Mango Pina Colada Tart and Vanilla Chai Latte. Yogurtland is on a quest to provide flavors that represent cultures globally. This “taste of the nations” project continues until May 11, according to their website.

Incredibly scrumptious and airy delightful, shaved ice is becoming increasingly popular. Unlike it’s frozen yogurt and ice cream cousins, it’s a song for both one’s taste buds and waist line. Shaved ice is a combination of finely shaved ice and creamy ice cream. It is often sweetened with condensed milk, and served with toppings like mochi or strawberries. Get Shaved is a popular place to grab such a treat since not only are the creations incredibly delicious, but they are very generous as well. Shaved ice is a treat for the senses; the colors are aesthetically pleasing, the smell is often incredibly fruity, and the taste is delightful. As finals draw dauntingly close, college students become increasingly fixated on the fun-filled summers that are ever approaching. Get Shaved is very Hawaiian centric – since the owners developed a refined taste for Hawaiian style shaved ice before opening their franchise – and has an incredible array of mixes like Dragon’s Breath – Tigers’ Blood, POG, and Pineapple Shave Ice with Li Hing Mui Powder and a dash of Pico Powder – and Aloha Rainbow – Hawaiian Punch, Blue Hawaii, and Pineapple Shave Ice. Both said creations are part of the secret combo menu of Get Shaved and are perfect to try in the upcoming summer months.

Spin Shaved Ice is a hot spot in our local community for its zesty appeal to customers. The flavors are mouth watering, and the colors are vividly bright. The desserts are smooth and delectable yet airy and light. There is a wide range of flavors, and they don’t skimp out on portions. The prices are modest – a small is just $3.50, and the atmosphere is very bright and cute. The names are also wacky and creative like Aloha Spin and Maui Wowie, adding to the trendy appeal of this shaved ice spot. Shaved ice is often referred to as snow ice due to the delectable and airy texture of the dessert. It is quite popular with condensed milk, which helps create a creamier dessert. For those taking summer classes, this close spot is ideal to embark on a flavored centric journey.