Hi y’all,

What are your favorite things to do in this sunny, warm weather? Is it already pool time? Beach days? Walking into your favorite AC’d grocery store to get food for BBQ? Catching an afternoon flick at the movies? I personally love donning my shorts and a tank top and exploring the most delicious way to beat the heat… cold, sweet treats.

Along with our new social media manager, Emma, I went on a Koreatown adventure, taste-testing three very different dessert spots: Matsu, Sul & Beans, and Viva Cafe. We documented it all on KCRW’s new TikTok, @kcrwinla — the account where we get off the radio waves and step into the city. You’ll find firsthand recommendations on LA’s hidden gems, new events and pop-ups, and fun things to do across the county.

If you’re not on TikTok, let me walk you through our delectable day: At Matsu, a matcha shop, we went a little overboard. We ordered a split scoop of jasmine matcha and the #5 ultra-rich matcha (their most concentrated option), plus a matcha parfait that could have fed five people. It featured Hokkaido milk soft serve layered with matcha mascarpone, chiffon cake, glutinous rice balls, red bean paste, and more. A very joyful way to start the day. 

Our second stop was Sul & Beans, known for bingsu, a Korean shaved ice dessert made with incredibly fine, milk-based ice that creates a fluffy, snow-like texture (fun fact: “sul” means snow in Korean). We opted for the strawberry bingsoo: fresh strawberries piled over a mountain of shaved ice, with condensed milk on the side to pour over. Refreshing, light, and perfect for a hot day or after savory KBBQ.

Last but not least was Viva Cafe, a family-owned Oaxacan spot known for its homemade paletas, ice cream, coffee, and sandwiches. It’s an unassuming storefront, inside it’s cozy and no-frills, and the desserts speak for themselves. We tried the guayaba (guava) sorbet, mango chamoy paleta, and corn esquites for a little salty moment — all were delicious. I’ll definitely be back to try more flavors.

It was a super sweet day for Emma and me, and we’re excited to share more adventures and recommendations like this. And it won’t just be food — we’ll also highlight things like the best music venues in LA, the coolest pop-ups, the most hilarious comedy shows (including our own Stand Up for KCRW show this Monday at The Comedy Store!), and everything in between.

Hope to see you in the comments!

Molly Chapman
Your KCRW Insider

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