Rate-A-Restaurant #258: Scoops Westside

Restaurant: Scoops Westside

Location: 3400 Overland Ave. (Palms)

Type of restaurant: Ice Cream

We stipulated: We've been enjoying the wonders of Scoops' original location, in East Hollywood, for years. But a few weekends ago, we found ourselves on the Westside with my parents -- and I thought it might be a good time to check out Scoops' Westside digs.

They stipulated: Scoops, of course, is famous for their always-changing selection of unique and unusual flavor combinations. And the small still comes with two scoops, which means the ability to get more than one flavor in even the smallest size. And as always, samples are free.

Flavors available the day we visited: Pistachio Tangerine, Chocolate Almond Butter, Black Sesame, Cream Cheese Oreo, Strawberry Balsamic Honey, ND Coconut Jasmine, ND Chocolate Peanut butter



What we ordered: I tried the Cream Cheese Oreo and Black Sesame (always a fave), while Maria got the Strawberry Balsamic Honey and the Black Sesame. ($3.50 for a small, which comes with two flavors.)


(Pic via Scoops Westside's Twitter feed.)

High point: Scoops' Brown Bread flavor, its signature selection, was also on tap, and my mom got it. I took a taste and remembered how much I like it. Next time. Also, it was less crowded than East Hollywood.

Low point: Sadly, the flavor selection is smaller than the original East Hollywood location, which has two freezer displays.

Overall impression: Scoops has still got it.

Chance we'll go back:  We'll be returning to the East Hollywood location, which is much closer to Franklin Avenue HQ.

Rate-A-Restaurant #257: House of Dole Whip

Restaurant: House of Dole Whip

Location: 7901 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 106 (West Hollywood)

Type of restaurant: Dessert



We stipulated: Back in Hawaii, my family would frequently play tourist and walk around lively Waikiki on a Sunday afternoon. While there, we'd usually end up getting a Dole Whip at a stand at the Royal Hawaiian shopping center. More recently, a Dole Whip is required eating while passing by the Tiki house at Disneyland. So when something called the "House of Dole Whip" popped up in West Hollywood, featuring a discounted coupon on Groupon, I bought one. This Labor Day, with my parents in town, it was time to relive those childhood Dole Whip memories.

They stipulated: House of Dole Whip is located inside a former yogurt shop, complete with the serve-yourself machines. But the store won't let you serve your own, they'll do it for you. That's partly because they don't sell the cups and cones by weight.

What we ordered: Pineapple Dole Whip, Mango Dole Whip, Raspberry Dole Whip in a waffle cone.



High point: The flavor selection -- at most places, including Disneyland, you can only get Pineapple.

Low point: The House of Dole Whip doesn't really specify what's Dole Whip and what's not among their flavors. I had to ask, and discovered that one side of offerings is still traditional yogurt (including Red Velvet).



Overall impression: So yes, the vagueness of this enterprise concerns me a bit. There's no signage anywhere, and you get the strong vibe that Dole has not sanctioned this store in any way. Contrary to what the House of Dole Whip says, the Dole Whip can be found in other locations besides Disneyland and the Dole Plantation in Wahiawa. But nonetheless, they're not easy to find -- and that's what makes the House of Dole Whip a unique idea. Rather than open another yogurt shop, I gotta give these guys credit for finding a niche.



Chance we'll go back:  Yes -- especially since I've got another Groupon.

Rate-A-Restaurant #256: The Six

Restaurant: The Six Restaurant

Location: 10668 Pico Blvd. (West L.A.)

Type of restaurant: Gastropub

We stipulated: It was a long-awaited lunch with my pal Diane "The Surf Report," but she couldn't get away for too long -- so we settled on a spot on the west side. I'm not as familiar with restaurants over there, but Diane suggested The Six. I was game.

They stipulated: Part of the gimmick of The Six? Sections of the menu (starters, pizzas, main dishes, dessert, etc.) all contain just six choices.



What we ordered: Turkey Sloppy Joe Sliders: portobello/red bell pepper/ fried housemade pickle ($13); Grilled Salmon Salad: tomato/cucumber/avocado/red onion/capers/lemon vinaigrette ($14)



High point: Despite the "six" choices limitation, the menu was unique and diverse. And the turkey sloppy joes had a nice, sweet but savory flavor to them. I could have used another.

Low point: Parking is limited, and the service could be a bit slow at times.



Overall impression: Nice environment for a casual lunch.

Chance we'll go back:  I'm not sure I'd make an extra effort to try The Six again, but if I were nearby, I might.