Sunday, May 17, 2009

popular culture

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt celebrated its grand opening in Knoxville this weekend. My wife and I stopped by the new Turkey Creek location for a taste on Saturday. Local franchisee Bruce Smythe introduced us to Danna Caldwell, who founded the company and her sister Shir Balas, who handles marketing. Danna (pronounced Donna) is the mensch who gave the store its name. Menchie is her husband's nickname for her.

Frozen yogurt has become fashionable again in Southern California. Some chains, like Pinkberry, specialize in tart flavors. Menchie's offers both tart and sweet yogurt. The ratio varies by locale. Danna opened her first store in Valley Village. When we told her we had lived in Burbank, she happily described the location of her store there and her other San Fernando Valley locations.

The customers serve themselves at Menchies. You pick a flavor or a mixture of flavors and then add your own choice of toppings. The cashier puts your finished concoction on a scale by the register, where you pay 44 cents per ounce. Trying to be concise, I said on the air Friday that they charge you by weight. Oops.

I mixed dark chocolate and island banana yogurts in my cup. My wife said it might be a good idea for me to try mixing the dark chocolate with tart pomegranate next time. I had intended to top my frozen yogurt only with fruit however all the other choices proved irresistible. I was especially intrigued by some rice thingies called mochi that were like miniature marshmallows. Danna said they had no taste themselves but picked up the flavors surrounding them. Afterwards, we remembered hearing about mochi last summer on "I Survived a Japanese Game Show." The contestants tried to eat the most mochi balls while riding tricycles.

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3 Comments:

Anonymous Jere said...

I can't wait to go back. I have been thinking of the different variety I will try next time.

It might even be worth giving up popcorn at the movies to go there afterwards.

5/19/2009  
Blogger Cassie said...

What's with the no picture post ? I wanted to see your frozen yogurt concoction. It sounded really good. Considering you posted a pic of that nasty looking pulled pork salad mess you had the cheif make. You really needed a pic of the yummy frozen yogurt.

5/19/2009  
Anonymous Jere said...

We ate it too quickly to get a pic. But you're right. He should have taken a picture of someone else's after we had wouffed ours down.

Well, there ya go Frank, an excuse to go back. ;-D

5/20/2009  

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