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Pinkberrygreek cucumber, sunflower cracker, olive oil and chili combo

Pinkberry, the company that re-introduced frozen yogurt to the masses in 2005, is upping its game by offering a slew of interesting combinations featuring Greek yogurt. No, it’s not frozen, and yes, Greek yogurt is everywhere these days, but Pinkberry’s truly is in a league of its own.

Dubbed Pinkberrygreek, this version is creamier, smoother and less tart than some of the other products out there, including Chobani and Fage, both of which I eat on a regular basis (I did a side-by-side taste test, too). While the vanilla flavor is a bit too sweet for me, the plain is quickly becoming my new favorite Greek yogurt. What’s also attractive is the fact that the yogurt comes from one farm, Fair Oaks in Indiana, and every batch traceable back to specific herds.

There are a couple of topping combinations for the Pinkberrygreek that I really like. The first one is sweet, with raspberries, blueberries, chocolate granola and cinnamon-infused honey. This special honey, a punched-up version of the already interesting sage blossom honey used in all Pinkberry stores, is what makes this flavor combination. The second topping recipe is savory, one that’s really unique. The cucumber, sunflower seed cracker, olive oil and chili powder combo (pictured above) sounded strange at first, but it totally works and would make a great afternoon snack.

Pinkberrygreek berry, chocolate granola and cinnamon honey combo

Pinkberry is also going to start offering power bowls with acai, quinoa and oatmeal. My favorite recipe is, once again, a savory one, with Greek yogurt, quinoa, sesame crackers, oranges, pumpkin seeds and agave. The sweet and salty combo is the best of both worlds, and you get lots of protein to boot.

Pinkberrygreek power bowl with quinoa, sesame cracker, pumpkin seeds, oranges and agave combo

If you want to try some of these new flavor combinations but can’t find them in your local store, head over to the Brentwood location where all the new stuff is first introduced.

Note: This tasting was hosted.

Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings at Delphine

When I think of the W Hotel Hollywood, the last thing I think of is a plate of chicken wings. But now, thanks to Delphine‘s Tuesday Wing Nite, chicken wings and a swanky hotel aren’t mutually exclusive.

Choose from a variety of flavors, including Thai Red Curry, Ranch Country and (the ultra rich, very L.A.) Truffle Cheese. Or go for my favorites, the Honey Sriracha and the Spiced Honey — both are delightfully sweet and a little spicy. The spiced honey itself — clover honey infused with cardamom, clove, cinnamon and other spices with a splash of vinegar — is to die for. I wanted to bathe in it, it was so good!

The wings cost $4.50 for two to four wings, depending on the flavor. There are also side dishes for $3, including a pretty potato salad and a tasty cole slaw. I wasn’t a big fan of the special cocktails, the Honey Bee and the Early Tea, but they’re available for wing-eating pairings.

Delphine Executive Chef Sascha Lyon, formerly of New York’s Balthazar and Pastis, is a cool guy, and if the other food on the regular menu is as good as some of these wings, then I’ll have to make a trip back.

Note: This meal was hosted.

Like ice cream? Keep strictly kosher? Then Chozen All Natural Ice Cream may just be the dessert for you.

Now, I’m not Jewish, but I do love ice cream and I enjoy the food of the chosen (get it?) people, so when I was offered samples of ice cream with flavors such as Rugelach, Chocolate Babka, and Apples and Honey, I said, “Sign me up!”

I was sent two pints: one of Coconut Macaroon made with almond ice cream and toasted coconut flakes mixed in, and one of Matzoh Crunch made with vanilla ice cream and chocolate- and caramel-coated matzoh crackers. The Coconut Macaroon got me right away since I’m a sucker for anything with almond and coconut. The Matzoh Crunch didn’t wow me at first, but it grew on me as I found the texture of the chocolate- and caramel-covered matzoh nice to munch on. My only real complaint is the texture of the ice cream itself — it’s a bit icy for my taste. You can see in this photo how it doesn’t really stick together when you’re scooping it and gets melt-y quickly:

Coconut Macaroon (left), Matzoh Crunch (right)

The ice cream is all-natural, though not certified organic, per its website, which means it’s made without chemical gums or stabilizers. That probably explains its texture. Its kosherness comes from being “100% kosher certified by experience rabbis,” though it’s not kosher for Passover.

Chozen is sold in stores in New York and New Jersey, so if you want some here on the West Coast, you’ll have to order it online. Don’t worry — the dry ice and insulated package keeps the ice cream nice and frosty. However, it looks like the only flavors available for shipping are Coconut Macaroon and Matzoh Crunch, which explains why I got those two. Overall, I enjoyed the flavors of the ice cream but didn’t love the texture. Rugelach and Chocolate Babka sound good, though…