If you’ve ever searched online for a good place to get dessert in San Diego, California, photos of hot pink spaceship-like domes emitting clouds of dry ice fog like those pictured above may have come up. These strange-looking concoctions are offerings from iDessert, a custom dessert shop that has been causing a stir in the San Diego neighborhood of Little Italy since it opened in 2015. For a personalized experience that will satisfy your sweet-tooth and delight the child in you, look no further than this contemporary dessert concept in the heart of San Diego.
Sweet treats served with modern tech and design
iDessert is the latest brainchild of world-renowned pastry chef Jean-Phillippe Maury, a San Diego resident for the last four years. This shop combines the beauty and finesse of his reputation in classic pastry with a modern twist. True to its name, iDessert involves more technology than you’ve ever used to order a dessert: although friendly employees are always nearby to answer questions or take your order the old-fashioned way, the primary ordering method is via iPad. Walk up to any free iPad and the on-screen instructions will guide you through the process of ordering the most customized dessert you’ve ever had. Even the shop itself looks sleek and modern: unique, beautiful displays of colorful meringues in glass cases form the décor, and the furnishings are all contemporary glass and glossy white.
With thousands of combinations, the ordering process is half the fun
A fair warning: one visit to iDessert will likely not be enough! With thousands of different possible flavor combinations, you’ll want more than one chance to build a custom treat. Their signature dessert is what comes in the hot pink bowls: a handmade meringue crust filled with flavored whipped cream and house-made gelato or sorbet atop a small cake made from scratch, smothered in the rich or fruity sauce of your choice and sprinkled with a crunch: anything from nuts to cookie crumbles. With over 16 meringue types, 6 whipped cream options, 8 flavors of gelato and sorbet, 5 different cakes, 8 sauces and a wide variety of crunch options, the possibilities are endless. But wait, don’t forget the finishing touch: for 1.50 USD more, you can order your treat Vegas-style, which means it will be served with dry ice fog billowing over the edges of the pink bowl. If the choices are overwhelming, there’s also a menu with pre-made bowls, as well as the option to make your own milkshake or sundae, which are still personalized but a bit simpler. All ingredients are fresh and authentic, and dairy-free desserts are also available. Bowls range in price from 4.95 USD for a basic bowl, to 9.75 USD for one with all the bells and whistles.
Enjoy what you’ve chosen with the special iDessert method
Even if your bowl arrives shrouded in clouds of dry ice smoke, the uniqueness of this experience is still not over: there’s a method to follow to get maximum enjoyment from your creation. Before you dig in, you must first squeeze the plastic ball at the top of the straw that extends out of your bowl: it’s filled with the sauce you have chosen, and a squeeze or two will inject the meringue with a sweet dose of caramel, fruit, peanut butter, chocolate or vanilla sauce. Then, remove the plastic lid and use the specially-designed pointed end of your spoon to crack the meringue shell open. Finally, make sure your first bite includes all the layers: meringue, gelato, cake, sauce and crunch, and enjoy!
Make a day of it: iDessert’s prime location
Located in beautiful Little Italy, there’s no shortage of things to do and see to make a day out of your trip to iDessert. The neighborhood itself is full of a variety of dining options, Italian and otherwise, ranging from casual bar/cafes to trendy farm-to-table eateries to fine-dining establishments. The Little Italy Mercato, one of the most well-known farmer’s markets in San Diego, is another popular local attraction, held every Saturday from 8am - 2pm. San Diego’s famous Gaslamp District is only a short walk away as well, where you can find dining, bars and shopping, plus major landmarks like the Petco Park Stadium and the Convention Center. Just around the corner is a playground and park with water features, great for families with children on a warm day. A longer stroll could take you to Seaport Village, a seafront collection of tourist shops with a stunning view of the Coronado Bridge, or to the harbor area, where old battleships beg to be explored and the white masts of private boats provide a peaceful view. Best of all: Little Italy is located less than 10 minutes from the airport, so even if you only have a few hours in San Diego, iDessert and this beautiful area are still well within your reach!
Experience the trendsetting San Diego food scene with this most unusual dessert
The San Diego food scene is well-known as modern and trendsetting, and iDessert is no exception to this drift. More than just a delicious after-dinner indulgence, iDessert is an entire experience that will awe and delight adults and children alike. Your decadent custom dessert awaits!
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