Fruit on top

Last week's New York Times ran an exposé on the gangster mentality between Korean-run frozen yogurt shops in L.A. To be honest, it really turned me off on the whole scene. What's with the big egos and fighting? Yeah, you guys are really tough fighting over a fruity, frozen dessert!

Tea and vanilla swirled and about to be topped.

But today I got an offer I couldn't refuse. I visited the hideout/test kitchen of Red Mango. Following up on the U.S. trailblazer Pinkberry and its follower Kiwiberry, this company the originator in the motherland. Now it's gearing up for a U.S. launch; the first store is slated to open in Westwood in May.

My connection to the Korean underground.

I tried some, and if you're a yogurt person you'll like it. The basic flavor is more like vanilla and less tangy than the competition's. The green tea is less acrid as well. But in the end, the difference is not huge since both flavors are inherently subtle, and meant to be piled on with fresh fruit, cereal, or whatnot.

It won't be easy for Red Mango to separate itself from the pack, especially since it's basic flavors are the same (who in the U.S. cares if they were first in Korea?) and there's a chance people will burn out on yogurt by then. In any case, the yogurt machine continues to grow, and Red Mango is a good option if you can't handle the vibing happens at Pinkberry or don't want to be seen slumming it at some Fauxberry.