gelateriauli Archives

Keep Your Cool: LA’s Ultimate Ice Cream Guide

Hot summer days just scream for ice cream. DTLA offers some tasty ways to keep your cool – from classic ice cream to European-style gelato, yummy soft serves, and other tempting treats, many just s short distance from Circa. Dairy not working for you? Many purveyors serve vegan and gluten-free options that offer the creamy richness, flavor and texture of traditional ice cream, without the drawbacks. So go ahead and chill out with our ultimate ice cream guide. Here’s the scoop.

Honey Mee Ice Cream near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Honeymee DTLA 645 W 9th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Our neighbor Honey Mee creates pure milk ice cream with 100% pure honey and honeycombs with no artificial colors or flavors. They use fresh California milk from a family-owned, kosher certified dairy factory, so you’ll get the authentic taste of what they call True Milk. The raw honey and honeycombs are 100% pure and natural, from a local, certified bee farm where they handle their award-winning honey with the utmost care. Honey Mee loves that something this delicious can provide such positive health benefits, such as increasing antioxidant levels and promoting digestive health. The product also has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. All the more reason to savor every spoonful.

Milkcow Ice Cream near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Milkcow Cafe 801 S Hope St B Los Angeles, CA 90017

Milkcow is a milk + honey concept ice cream brand, specializing in soft serve ice cream, premium drinks and desserts. With seven years in development, Milkcow has opened in over 15 countries with more than 50 locations, and now brings their authentic recipe to Los Angeles. They use locally sourced natural milk from California happy cows to make their smooth and creamy soft serve ice cream, which is characterized by a delicate milky aftertaste.

ce Cream Alley near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Ice Cream Alley Smorgasburg LA ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Ice Cream Alley is back at Smorgasburg LA through September 5. The dairy-delightful array of vendors includes Happy Ice, Sweet & Hollow, and Wanderlust Creamery and more. Smorgasburg LA is the largest weekly open-air food market in Los Angeles, attracting 8,000 to 12,000 attendees every Sunday, year round. Located on the five-acre site of the weekday 7th Street Produce Market in ROW DTLA, Smorgasburg LA features food and lifestyle vendors, a beer garden offering local craft beer, pop ups, and other surprises. Sundays 10 AM – 4 PM. Sorry, no pets allowed.

McConnells ice cream near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

McConnell’s Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

For 70 years, McConnell’s has been making dense and pure-flavored ice creams, with smooth, consistent texture and a rich, velvety mouth feel – all made from scratch with a few, simple ingredients. McConnell’s mission is to produce the finest ice creams in the world, in the most responsible and sustainable way possible. In the process, they aim to enrich and enliven the communities in which they operate, and leave the world just a little bit “sweeter” than they found it.

Van Leeuwen ice cream near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream 300 S Santa Fe Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream started in the Spring of 2008 out of a buttery yellow truck on the streets of NYC. The founders set out to revive the classic American ice cream truck and the art of traditional ice cream making, using ingredients perfected by nature, not science. Van Leeuwen Classic and Vegan ice creams are made with just a handful of fresh ingredients. Each flavor is a celebration of some of the world’s best artisan producers and farmers, both local and from around the world.

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese ice Cream

Van Leeuwen is offering a Limited Edition Kraft Macaroni & Cheese ice Cream – a flavor mash-up combining two of America’s favorite treats – mac & cheese and ice cream. This popular product sold out in just a few hours, so if you missed out on getting your hands on it the first time, or were lucky enough to grab a pint but one wasn’t enough, sign-up to be the first to know when it’s available to purchase again HERE

Midori Matcha Cafe ice cream near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Midori Matcha Cafe 123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Located in DTLA’s Little Tokyo, Midori Matcha specializes in serving Japanese Organic Matcha drinks, pastries and Kyoto style soft serve ice cream. Simple and pure are the two main ingredients. They hand-whisk each drink, using Organic Ceremonial Grade or Imperial Grade Japanese Matcha with never any preservatives, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners or added colors. Health is the number one priority, which is why most drinks are unsweetened or have minimal calories, fat and sugar. Midori Matcha believes in enjoying matcha as close to its original traditional roots as possible.

Gelateria Uli ice cream near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Uli’s Gelato 541 S Spring St #104 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Named Best Ice Cream 2020 by LA Magazine, Uli’s Gelato was founded by Uli Nasibova, who’s originally from Baku, Azerbaijan. Uli opened her gelato shop in 2014 with the goal to make to make the best ice cream (not just gelato) in Los Angeles. Uli personally creates all recipes and sources the best possible ingredients for a taste treat that can’t be beat.

Little Damage ice cream near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Little Damage 700 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Billing itself as “LA’s finest soft serve ice cream,” Little Damage is a small family owned business that draws its inspiration from the rich cultural fabric that makes Los Angeles special. Rather than offering a conventional selection, Little Damage offers a rotating menu of unique recipes that allow you step outside of your comfort zone and get a little adventurous, such as their famous charcoal cone. At least one vegan option is always included in the rotation to accommodate those who are dairy free.

Salt & Straw ice cream near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Salt & Straw 829 E. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

The bright, spacious Arts District Salt & Straw scoop shop is an outpost of the popular ice cream concept from Oregon, known for inventive flavors and farm-sourced ingredients. The founders chose the name Salt & Straw because the ice cream is handmade, in small batches, the way ice cream was made traditionally. Back in the day, ice cream makers used rock salt to make it freeze, then it was packed in straw to keep it cold. Dairy-free options are available.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Photo #2: Honeymee

Photo #3: Milkcow Cafe

Photo #4: Smorgasburg LA

Photo #5: McConnell’s

Photo #6: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Photo #7: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Photo #8: Midori Matcha Cafe

Photo #9: Uli’s Gelato

Photo #10: Little Damage

Photo #11: Salt & Straw

A Little Romance: Celebrate Valentine’s Day in DTLA

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, outdoor dining is back. And your favorite DTLA restaurants are pulling out all the stops for a little romance this weekend. From Modern American to Italian, French, Brazilian, and Baja cuisine, top eateries are offering chef-driven Valentine’s Day dinners à deux, with gourmet menus and expert wine pairings. If you’re in the mood for a romantic staycation, Hotel Figueroa is offering a sweet package, with complimentary flowers and desserts. Speaking of sweets, Gelateria Uli is offering heart shaped cakes and sweetheart popsicles for pre-order. No SO? No problem. Grab your crew and toast the important people in your life – friends and family. Whatever your relationship goals, you’ll find endless ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day when you live at Circa. Check websites for reservations, pick up, and delivery details.

Redbird Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Redbird Valentine’s Day Weekend 114 E 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend at Redbird. Chef Neal Fraser and team will be serving a celebratory three-course dinner in their three outdoor dining rooms, with optional wine pairings. Some of our favorite menu items include Winter Citrus & Endive Salad, Diver Scallops, Smoked Tofu with fried rice and mustard greens, and Garden Lemon Custard. Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems – the former rectory building of Vibiana, cathedral-turned-event-venue. Redbird features Modern American cuisine that is refined yet approachable and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Fraser’s native city, Los Angeles.

Rossoblu Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Rossoblu City Market South 1124 San Julian St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Although Rossoblu won’t open their spacious patio for outdoor dining until February 18, they are offering a Valentine’s Weekend Dinner for pickup. Menu includes Antipasti, Pasta, Duck Breast, and a choice of sweets. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are available. These individual meals are presented refrigerated with simple heating instructions. Rossoblu is an homage to Chef Steve Samson’s heritage, inspired by childhood memories spent in Bologna and Emilia Romagna. The restaurant features handmade pastas, fresh produce, and an extensive in-house butchery and salumi program. The wine list offers unique Italian and Californian varietals.

Pez Cantina Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Pez Cantina 401 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Chef Bret Thompson and the Pez team are serving an exclusive Three-Course Valentine’s Day Weekend Menu for dining on their lush outdoor patio. Pez Cantina is a sustainable Coastal Mexican-style restaurant and bar serving the freshest sea-to-land dishes. Inspired by his travels to Loreto, a sleepy fishing town in Baja California, Chef Bret Thompson captures the complexity and spirit of the food he loves. The menu focuses on dishes from the many distinct regions of Mexico – from Baja, to Oaxaca, to the Yucatan Peninsula. A fine-tuned selection of bright and eclectic cocktails, California-focused wine list, and craft beers round out the Pez Cantina menu.

Zinqué Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Le Weekend de St Valentin at Zinqué 939 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90015

Add some French savoir faire to your Valentine’s Day celebration with the one your love. Le Weekend de St Valentin at Zinqué is offering a three-course menu for $90 per person. Choices include Smoked Salmon Carpaccio, Roasted Lobster Tail, Grilled Hanger Steak, Truffled Mac & Cheese, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Berries with Chantilly, and more. Zinqué is a hip neighborhood restaurant with French-inspired dishes and small plates, along with a craft cocktail menu and uniquely curated wine & beer selection.

Perch LA Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Perch LA 448 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Elevate your Valentine’s Day celebration at Perch LA with a 4 Course Prix Fixe Dinner. Perch is a French-inspired rooftop bistro that offers unobstructed views of Downtown Los Angeles that will make you feel as if you’re floating over the skyline. Executive Chef Gerardo Benitez has created a playful menu inspired by French culinary classics utilizing the freshest of seasonal ingredients. Choices include Chef’s Collection of Fromage & Charcuterie, Ahi Tartare, Butternut Squash Soup, Filet Mignon, Lamb Osso Buco, and White Chocolate Bread Pudding. Vegetarian menu is available as well.

Flouring LA Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Flour + Flower Pop Up Shop Hotel Figueroa 939 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

During the month of February, Flouring LA and Vases to Vases are hosting a pop up shop in the Hotel Figueroa lobby bar, offering freshly made desserts and custom mixed bouquets. Flouring’s Chef Heather Wong has created an 8-piece Valentine’s-inspired sweets box and dessert charcuterie boards. Stephanie Casteneda, also known as Vases to Vases, will offer bouquets and vase arrangements. Chef Wong has been baking for Los Angeles since 2009, using sustainably sourced, organic ingredients from local farmers and vendors. Vases to Vases is a floral design studio founded by Casteneda in 2020, known for creating uniquely artistic pieces.

Hotel Figueroa Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Hotel Figueroa Staycation 939 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Make your Valentine’s Day celebration even sweeter with The Fig’s™ Suite Staycation Package. Book a suite for Valentine’s Day weekend and receive a complimentary Vases to Vases flower arrangement alongside a tasting of Flouring LA desserts. The historic Figueroa Hotel has been a downtown LA icon for nearly a century. Located just steps from the Staples Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center, the Figueroa corridor, home of the hotel, is a resurgent capital of arts, entertainment and culture for forward-thinkers from around the globe.

Gelateria Uli Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Gelateria Uli 541 S Spring St #104 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Nothing says “you make me melt” like these sweet treats from Gelateria Uli. Pre-order your heart shaped cakes and sweetheart popsicles for that special someone this Valentine’s Day. Named Best Ice Cream 2020 by Los Angeles Magazine, Gelateria Uli was founded by Uli Nasibova, who’s originally from Baku, Azerbaijan. Uli opened her gelato shop in 2014 with the goal to make European-style ice cream, which has lower fat and air content than the American variety. Uli personally creates all recipes and sources the best possible ingredients for a taste treat that can’t be beat.

H&H Brazilian Steakhouse Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

H&H Brazilian Steakhouse 518 W 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

This Valentine’s day, H&H Brazilian Steakhouse is serving a 5-course meal, with live Brazilian Music all day long on their patio. Start with a glass of champagne and a selection of appetizers, then move on to 16 types of meats with side dishes, and finish with a choice of dessert. $100 per person. H&H Brazilian Steakhouse is a new take on Brazilian food, brimming with healthful recipes. The restaurant was founded by Henrique Huyer with the mission of bringing authentic, traditional Brazilian barbecue to the American market. The menu caters to nearly every food preference including gluten-free, naturally organic, vegetarian and vegan offerings.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Pez Cantina

Photo #2: Redbird

Photo #3: Rossoblu

Photo #4: Pez Cantina

Photo #5: Zinqué

Photo #6: Perch LA

Photo #7: Flouring LA

Photo #8: Hotel Figueroa

Photo #9: Gelateria Uli

Photo #10: H&H Brazilian Steakhouse

Beat the Heat: DTLA’s Best ice Cream, Frosty Coffee & Cool Concoctions

The Fourth of July is right around the corner and temperatures are rising. Hot summer days just scream for ice cream and other cool refreshments. DTLA offers some tasty ways to get your chill thrill – from classic ice cream to European-style gelato, cold brewed coffee, iced lattes, soft serves, and other tempting treats. Many purveyors also offer vegan and gluten-free options. Here’s the scoop.

McConnell’s Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

Gelateria Uli 541 S Spring St #104, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Named Best Gelato by LA Weekly in 2019, Gelateria Uli is gearing up for the 4th of July and taking pre-orders for three summertime frozen pies! Choose from three gelato flavors topped with vegan caramel and sprinkled with your favorite Speculoos cookie crumbs, with a crust made from Uli’s signature waffle cones. Gelateria Uli was founded by Uli Nasibova, who’s originally from Baku, Azerbaijan. Uli opened her gelato shop in 2014 with the goal to make European-style ice cream, which has lower fat and air content than the American variety. Uli personally creates all recipes and sources the best possible ingredients for a taste treat that can’t be beat.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream 300 S. Santa Fe Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is open for delivery and walk-up service, offering a full menu of classic and vegan ice creams. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream started in the spring of 2008 out of a buttery yellow truck on the streets of NYC. The founders set out to revive the classic American ice cream truck and the art of traditional ice cream making, using ingredients perfected by nature, not science. Van Leeuwen Classic and Vegan ice creams are made with just a handful of fresh ingredients. Each flavor is a celebration of some of the world’s best artisan producers and farmers, both local and from around the world.

Little Damage 700 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Billing itself as “LA’s finest soft serve ice cream,” Little Damage is a small family owned business that draws its inspiration from the rich cultural fabric that makes Los Angeles special. Rather than offering a conventional selection, Little Damage offers a rotating menu of unique recipes that allow you step outside of your comfort zone and get a little adventurous, such as their famous charcoal cone. At least one vegan option is always be included in the rotation to accommodate those who are dairy free.

Salt & Straw 829 E. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Chimney Coffee 1100 N Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Originally opened as Los Angeles Chinatown’s first specialty cafe back in 2010, Chimney Coffee House has been constantly evolving to better serve the community and to be a destination for creatives, professionals, and families alike. This hip, casual cafe specializes in locally roasted single origin coffee, elevated breakfast fare, and sandwiches. Beat the heat with Bankok Iced Coffee and Cold Brew Iced Coffee, which is “flash brewed” over ice to amp up the flavor. They also have a frosty selection of iced lattes including Mocha, Caramel, Vanilla, Matcha Latte, Chai, and Thai Iced Tea.

G & B Coffee Grand Central Market C-19 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

From champion baristas Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinski, collectively known as G&B Coffee, this hot spot serves up coffees, espresso drinks, and teas selected from the world’s top roasters and farms. When you’re ready to cool down, G&B’s coffee milkshake and hop-infused carbonated ice tea are instant Market classics. Stop by for weekly cuppings every Tuesdays at 2:00 to taste the range of G&B coffees from around the world. Free 5 minute parking in the drop-off lane in front of the G & B stall.

Cafe Dulce ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda St. #150 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Cafe Dulce is open and offering pickup or delivery. This sleek cafe offers specialty coffees and teas, along with fresh salads, sandwiches and baked goods delivered daily from its original kitchen in Little Tokyo, Downtown LA. Cafe Dulce is widely known for its signature hand-crafted beverages including the Vietnamese iced coffee, single origin pour overs, blueberry matcha lattes, and green tea donuts. Order vis phone (213) 536-9633 or delivery through Postmates & ChowNow.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Salt & Straw

Photo #2: McConnell’s

Photo #3: Gelateria Uli

Photo #4: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Photo #5: Little Damage

Photo #6: Salt & Straw

Photo #7: Chimney Coffee

Photo #8: G & B Coffee

Photo #9: Cafe Dulce

Thanksgiving Becomes Eclectic! LA’s Best Bets for the Holiday Weekend

Thanksgiving is upon us! Still making plans? If cooking is not on your radar, your favorite DTLA restaurants are dishing up some fabulous fare to share with family and friends. Want to work it off before you gobble it up? Join thousands of runners and walkers at the DTLA Turkey Trot, which benefits the Midnight Mission. The long weekend is also a great time to get a head start on your holiday shopping, check out the LA Auto Show, or just chill. This year, Thanksgiving becomes eclectic, and we’ve got LA’s best bets for the holiday weekend!

Fleming’s Steakhouse 800 West Olympic Boulevard, #A135 Los Angeles, CA 90015

Be the guest at your table this Thanksgiving! Fleming’s Steakhouse at L.A. LIVE is serving a a scrumptious three course feast with choice of Herb-Roasted Turkey or Filet Mignon served with all the trimmings and dessert, starting at $52 per guest. The full dinner menu will be available as well as their Thanksgiving Children’s menu, $22 per Child. Located across from STAPLES Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center, Fleming’s is an outstanding choice, with the perfect ambiance, a menu filled with your favorites, and a local chef’s table that changes with the season. The bar is always open and the wine manager has curated a wide selection of locally selected wines, hand-crafted cocktails, and spirits.

Dekkadance 900 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90017

Thanksgiving with a view! Located on the 69th floor of InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, Dekkadance is the perfect spot to gather family and friends to enjoy an international buffet style Thanksgiving brunch. Feast on selections such as roasted and Cajun fried turkey, beef tenderloin, a fresh seafood station, house made dessert bar, and more. Includes bottomless sparkling wine, Sparkling Mimosas, Bellinis, Kir Royales, and Mai Tais.

Best Girl 927 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90015

Best Girl is serving a special 3-course meal for Thanksgiving, featuring all the traditional favorites with a Best Girl spin. Dinner is $65 plus tax and features James Beard award-winning chef Michael Cimarusti’s take on these American classics. Named after the first film screened at the United Artists Theatre in 1927, Best Girl is Downtown Los Angeles’ local haunt featuring rotating, seasonal fare and classic favorites.

Patina 141 South Grand Avenue The Walt Disney Concert Hall Los Angeles, CA 90012

Gather around the table and enjoy a feast for the senses by Executive Chef Andreas Roller. Choose from three- and six-courses for $75 and $110 per person. Children’s menu available $35. Complete your Patina experience with a custom wine, water or specialty non-alcoholic beverage pairing. Located in the spectacular Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles, the flagship restaurant of Patina Restaurant Group expresses the highest culinary ideals of Chef and Founder Joachim Splichal, with cuisine by Executive Chef Andreas Roller.

Gelateria ULI The Spring Arcade Building 541 S Spring St. #104 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Are you on pie patrol for Thanksgiving? Gelateria ULI’s got you covered. Their gelato holiday pies are delicious and different, but still reminiscent of the best traditional pies you’ve ever had. Choose from Pumpkin (pumpkin gelato with freshly ground spices and a layer of dark chocolate gelato, with a hint of sea salt, topped with torched meringue and toasted, candied pumpkin seeds); Caramel Apple (VEGAN using the best Murray Family Farms apples, laced with house-made totally vegan caramel); and Maple Pecan (n-house made pecan butter spun into creamy maple gelato, topped with torched meringue and pecan crumble). All pies are 8 inches.

7th Annual Turkey Trot 2019: Downtown Los Angeles 200 N Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Nov 28 Trot before you gobble! Join thousands of runners and walkers for the seventh annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles on Thanksgiving morning. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this event benefits the Midnight Mission – an amazing organization that offers a path to self sufficiency to those experiencing homelessness. This year all 5k and 10k participants will receive a Turkey Trot LA race t-shirt and Unique Finishers Medals for all participants!

Jackalope Art Fair Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

Nov 30 & Dec 1 Shop small on Small Business Saturday weekend and get a jump on your holiday shopping at the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair at Grand Central Market’s newly renovated downstairs “underground” event space. Shoppers can expect to find trendsetting indie goods including original fashion and jewelry design, paper goods, innovative home decor and housewares, art, photography, food, plus much more.

Los Angeles Auto Show Los Angeles Convention Center 1201 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Nov 22 – Dec 1 One of the world’s largest auto shows with 1,000 vehicles on display, the Los Angeles Auto Show is open to the public from November 22 – December 1. The show is a great one-stop-shop for comparison shopping cars, trucks, SUVs, electric vehicles and more, without any sales pressure. Whether you’re new vehicle shopping or a lifelong auto enthusiast, there’s something for everyone, including 65+ debuts; free test drives of 100 of the latest models; stunning custom builds, VR experiences, the life-size LEGO Bugatti Chiron, and a real-life version of Guinevere, the van from Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film, Onward.

Los Angeles Mission 303 E 5th Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

The Los Angeles Mission’s annual Thanksgiving celebration serves over 3,000 pounds of turkey, 700 pounds of mashed potatoes, 800 pounds of green beans and 600 pies to their neighbors experiencing homelessness. They also give out over 1,400 blankets and over 1,200 tarps in preparation for the colder winter months. Now that we’ve seen a 16% increase in homelessness across Los Angeles, the Mission is expecting more people to attend their Thanksgiving event than ever before. If you can’t volunteer this Thanksgiving, you can still help by making a donation.