I have had some great experiences with this chain, and this review will spotlight some examples as to why.
This store sits in Heart of Pride. For those who are not familiar, West Hollywood, especially this strip of Sunset Blvd (near La Cienaga) pulsates with clubs and stores that are frequented by those in the LGBT+ community. That is why the avenue serves as the stretch for Weho's Carnaval a celebration of all things queer. My mom and I one time went to the last Carnaval on the day when the parade will be held. My mom went, and I borrowed a seat from the establishment. She sat up close to view the parade but soon return to the patio area because too many people were blocking her view. So the sits of Salt and Straw served as our private box for Weho's Parade during for my mom and I. I assume that people who watch the Super Bowl from private boxes, almost next to the field, with caviar and champagne, feel something akin as I did, being at this Salt and Straw Patio. As we waited my mom and I met a mother and daughter. We started to talk about what it means to be a parent for a queer child. The other woman, she was a teacher, and she said, "a lot of people think that having a queer kid is the sad thing, but the sad thing really is being a parent of a queer kid and not accepting them with love." I did not say the words but a message that I wanted my mom to hear was said out loud, on Parade day of Weho Carnaval celebrating Pride, on ground that pulses pride. It was affirmation on theme and on beat. Oh, and before we all engaged in deep dialogue we four shared our pronouns, including my mom. While we did all that we enjoyed ice cream.
A few nights ago, I went, and I met one of their staff members Chichi. She eventually felt comfortable enough to tell me that she knows that her name means something in Spanish, but in her native Nigeria, it means if I remember correctly, messenger of God, or something akin. But her name was certainly something for God. Like I know her name does not mean plumber of God, florist for God, but it was something close to messenger, which was appropriate because I felt kindness from the universe in her. And if something divine was choosing me for a message I hope it was delivered with kind notes.
I approached her and I asked her for samples from their Berries Series, that are limited edition. I did 2 to 5. I did not ask for one. And she said ok, like I was not asking her for more than I deserved. She was vibing with my request. My plan was to sample and dash, but then the flavors put a wrench in the hope. I had to savor. Each of the four flavors, listed in the picture, was a moment of damn this is better than ice cream this is a dessert to be savored in a small spoon. For example, Oishii Strawberry and Pretzal Salad. The fact that Oishii was in red was just a detail that when stopped and analyzed becomes an an ancient oak of a moment. I tasted it and the flavor was there, the tartness from the strawberry, the crunch and whimsy of the pretzel, it was a combination that was odd but still worked with pizazz, kind of like Harajuku fashion. I eventually decided I would allow myself one scopp, no cone. But would I get the Oishii (which I loved if I was not clear) or the Huckeberry Cornbread Pudding? All four flavors where new and freh and tasted like new forms of joy for the taste buds. Then Chichi said get one scoop but make half Oishii and half cornbread--- genius!!!! I never have heard about it but it makes total sense, not like getting half a slice of pepperoni and the other half of the same pizza mushroom. I would get both flavors in one cup and not splruge. Eventually, she gave me two scoops of each so I am not sure if I misudnerstood her words, or if I ordered too much, or what, but the idea in concept is great and will try it next time I go to a Salt and Straw. Cause now there has to be a next time cause of the new flavors--- damn they were innovative!
In the time I selected and paid, Chichi told me a bit of her, and by the end there was a small line behind me yet I never feel rushed. The moment belonged to me and she did not rush me along. She took the time to let me savor the flavors of the day, she held me in chat, and she held me in small joy. So the meaning of her name kind does fit right? read more