Austin FroYo Smackdown II: Mambo Berry and Yogurt Planet
July 22, 2009
Prompted by Peter from Foodingblog, who did a similar Austin FroYo review, we managed to take in the other two main Austin FroYo locations this past week and now happily present the results.
First, I’m not going to include Mambo Berry in a true smackdown. Why? Because Mambo Berry automatically wins and loses. It wins in terms of yogurt quality–awesome stuff. And it has incredibly nice people working there, they had a nice promotion on Twitter for 2 free toppings yesterday when we tried them, and they have some creative toppings (I had chocolate chips and Cap’n Crunch on mine–and it included Crunch Berries, which all Cap’n Crunch connoisseurs will agree is necessary). And to top it all off, it’s quintessential Austin foodie by virtue of its S. Congress food trailer park location (1600 S. Congress, if you don’t know). So in one ways it’s a complete winner.
But here’s the thing–I’m not a frozen yogurt snob, I’m more of a junkie. Meaning I prefer variety over quality, especially when it’s all about the same price. So Mambo Berry just can’t compete with only two flavors and about 20 toppings, even though the flavors rock (basic tart and green tea were on last night) and the toppings were fun. Other players have 6 or more times the yogurts and 2 or more times as many toppings. So it just isn’t fair to compare. Mambo Berry is quintessential Austin FroYo and in a class of its own. The other places are more likely to meet a particular craving, so we’ll continue the smackdown to pick a winner.
So for this second true Smackdown, we’ll put our current champ, The Yogurt Spot, against the newcomer, Yogurt Planet. Gentlemen, to your corners.
Location: Yogurt Planet
The rookie comes out swinging by easily taking the location category. YP is a bit north of campus in the Triangle, but it takes about the same to get there from Mopac (because no true Austinite takes I-35). But YP wins hands down because of the ample parking. And not just in a nearby garage like Swirll, I’m talking actual parking right outside the door. So YP takes the first category, but we’ll see if it’s a repeat of the first Smackdown where the losing shop only won the first category (oh, am I foreshadowing?).
Yogurt: The Yogurt Spot
Like I’ve said, these places are about variety and TYS wins this one. In raw numbers of flavors, the two are close. YP has 12, TYS has slightly more (I believe 16, but it’s usually 14 when I’m there). And YP does some excellent placement so you get some great true swirl combinations like Chocolate Mint with Cake Batter or Cookies ‘and Cream with Pomengranate. But YP loses overall because of an almost total lack of tart flavors. They had plenty of sweet fruit flavors and some good savory ones like chocolate and cheesecake. But no tart. Unacceptable, especially in this record heat–tart was made for frozen desserts, duh!
Toppings: The Yogurt Spot
This one was easy. TYS has more toppings hands-down. And the granola at YP was really weird. It was like the took a big bag of the really good granola then picked out all the good stuff, leaving just the granola-ish flakes in a bin with a spoon. Blech.
Decor/Ambience: The Yogurt Spot
Another easy one. YP is closer to Swirll in total package–loud trendy music, trendier tables and chairs. But by trendy, I mean bad. The tables are cool–smooth white stones encased in lucite. But on each table is a really uncomfortable chair. Or a long row of what looks like comfortable 50′s-style booth benches–but the moment you sit down you find out the seat part of the bench is about 6 inches too short, a situation made even worse by the overstuffed, non-flexible back that forces you to impersonate the number 7 in calligraphy in order to remain seated and eat your yogurt.
Besh Factor: Unknown
Besher has been kidnapped by his grandparents and I’m unsure of his return date, but given that TYS is already up 3-1, this one’s moot.
Overall Winner: The Yogurt Spot 3-1
Congrats to the reigning champ! But watch your back if Mambo Berry ever expands.
