Los Angeles - February 20, 2007

Shake That Thing

Milk Cafe and Ice Creamery

Reason No. 323 to dig California: year-round ice cream weather.

Reason No. 324: Milk, a newly opened cafe/bakery/ice creamery where old-fashioned faves get gourmet treatment (sans ’tude).

Rotating flavors like banana dulce de leche and coffee toffee crunch get scooped into cones, sundaes, shakes, sandwiches, hand-dipped bars, and Milkies (a.k.a. bon bons). On the lighter side, find sorbets made with freshly squeezed tangerines and blood oranges.

But that’s just the start. Hazelnut-chocolate madeleines and ooey-gooey double chocolate cookies cover the counter alongside spiced apple toffee loaves, chunky pecan shortbread bars, and highly original party cakes. (Creamsicle or blue velvet, anyone?)

For something savory, try the seasonal soups, salads, and pressed sandwiches. Our suggestion: the Medianoche, stuffed with pulled pork, ham, manchego, pickle, and garlic mayo.

And if the mercury happens to dip below 60, no need to skip out on the cream.

That’s what hot fudge is for.

Milk, 7290 Beverly Boulevard, at North Poinsettia Place, Mid-City West (323-939-6455).