Tart yogurt is a crazy craze right now. If you haven’t tried it or don’t even know about it, you really need to get out more.

No offense.

Pinkberry - I’ve tried it twice (the one in Temecula on the way back from Vegas trips). Why does Temecula get a Pinkberry before San Diego proper? I’m already having nightmares about the quiet little corner in Hillcrest where the Pinkberry is going to be - crowds, parking scarcities, etc. I like the simple formulaicness of Pinkberry - it’s very neat and tidy, easy to order, easy to eat, smooth, tasty, refreshing, and good. The taste is not very creamy, almost airy. It’s not surprising that Pinkberry is having some issues with explaining exactly what is in their yogurt.

Yogurt World - Daniel and I both prefer Yogurt World’s taste, toppings (especially the mochi balls!), and their serve-yourself system. But we don’t prefer being squished in wrap-around lines and driving in circles for parking. So we made a rule that we would no longer go to Yogurt World after sunset - it’s just too mobbed. So if we’re going to brave that parking lot after dark it will be for burger and beer at O’Brien’s. By the way, if Yogurt World is out of mochi balls, we don’t even bother to go. I’ve actually called ahead several times to make sure they have mochi in stock before we drive down there. Now that’s when you know you are food-obsessed! We like all of their tarts flavors (except Green Tea - too grassy/earthy) and we’ve finally figured out (through much caloric experimentation) the perfect mochi to yogurt ratio. I also add shredded coconut, but Daniel stays with just the mochis. Fruit is just way too healthy for us most of the time. Besides, the yogurt itself is fruity, right?

The Yog(art) Scene

Yog(art) - In Hillcrest, we visited Yog(art) on only its 3rd day in business. I first noticed it Friday night as I was picking up Mama Testa’s to bring home to the exhuasted husband. After dinner on Saturday night, we went to Yog(art) and tried it out.

My best explanation of it is that Yog(art)’s vibe and product are like a combination of Pinkberry and Yogurt World. It’s not self-serve. The toppings, cups, and pricings are almost identical to Pinkberry. But they are going to get mochi balls soon (yes, we asked!) which I don’t think Pinkberry will ever have. We got a mix of the Mango and Plain tart flavors with raspberry, mango, and coconut toppings. The mango flavor is complex and satisfying. I don’t think they offered granola, which is one of the toppings I actually really like to get at Pinkberry.

I’d say the best part about Yog(art) and what gives it the best chance of ka-ching success and longevity is that it’s a big, friendly, open, welcoming space with tons of seating and free wi-fi. There’s a fun, festive atmosphere with free board games to borrow while you hang out and black-and-white movie projected on the big space over the front door. The location is great - I can definitely see stopping by there after eating dinner at Ono Sushi or Mama Testa’s or anywhere in the area. The service was extremely friendly and I think they’re going to be able to capitalize on the tart yogurt craze in a way that everyone can enjoy.

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And here’s a new feature to Zen Foodism - the Husband Cam. Like most women, I’m verbose and my communications are nuanced (which might be a friendly way to say “over-explained”). But my beloved engineer-minded husband Daniel is succinct and extremely confident in his opinions. He’s also even pickier about food than I am.

Here’s what he has to say about tart yogurt in San Diego, and Yog(art) in particular:

Husband Cam: “I think Yog(art) has a great location and good flavor, but I prefer the self-serve aspect of Yogurt World. And, for me, mochi is a must-ee.”

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What’s your favorite tart yogurt joint?

~Beth