In the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, you’ll find a diverse mixture of ethnic eateries and hole-in-the-walls for late-night munching. A narrow brick storefront poking out between an optometrist’s office and a trendy thrift store is the home of one of these places: Neveux Artisan Creamery.
Walking inside, we were greeted by dim lighting and huddled, intimate conversation at the few tables that lined the front of the house. More too-hip-for-its-own-good cafe than classic Parisian bistro, Neveux is part of a trend of boutique creameries that serve scoops that blend savory and sweet flavors.
We ordered a wide array of choices, from the tamer options to the more adventurous, in order to take full advantage of the distinctive medley offered. Among some of the better and more interesting selections were the strawberry balsamic and rosemary butterscotch flavors.
(Christopher Hoo/Daily Bruin senior staff)
The mix of strawberry and balsamic vinegar sounded strange, but the first bite tasted normal – a creamy, fruity richness. However, the slightly sour, acidic finish of the vinegar gave every spoonful an unexpected turn.
Rosemary butterscotch also provided a great, subtle twist on an already delicious traditional taste – the deep butterscotch flavor was cut by a hint of herbal sharpness that lingered on the tongue long after the cup was empty.
However, one of the most bizarre tastes we tried out was not a welcome surprise. The coconut curry lemongrass flavor had an overly pungent and spicy taste that was certainly not helped by the chopped up bits of lemongrass.
The artisan ice cream shop shined when it showcased contrasting and unexpected flavor combinations, but also stopped short when trying to recreate entire meals in frozen form.
The options of Neveux were inspired by the savory and sweet ice cream fusions that gained popularity in the Bay Area, particularly at the Bi-Rite Creamery in San Francisco.
So for those from Northern California feeling a bit homesick, or late-night wanderers on Melrose Avenue wanting both a sugary and savory snack, a step into Neveux can prove a welcome expedition.
What are your ice cream favorites around Los Angeles? Email A&E; at ae@media.ucla.edu.