Qoola Frozen Yogurt + Fruit

Qoola Frozen Yogurt + Fruit
1116 Denman Street
Vancouver, BC

Finally, here is my post on Qoola, the yoghurt shop, if you can call it that way, in Denman Street. It has been blogged by at least 5 other bloggers since it has been open (check here, here, here, here and here) – all of them prior to their official open on Feb 14th. At this point, you might be wondering, do I have anything else to add? Yup, I have. And I will be straight to the point on this one: Unlike most others, I don’t understand what is the big deal about this place…

My first couple of attempts to go to this place were quite unsuccessful. The problem? Their schedule. To be more precise, they were running a winter schedule, back then, it meant they did not open until 2:00 p.m. No visit during lunch, as a result. I eventually managed to go there after work…

The attendants were quite friendly and helpful. The first thing they asked me if I was a new customer and, if not, they will explain what Qoola is about, including an emphasis in that they do not use powdered yoghurt and probiotics. But, I am only here for the food… I was aware of their $5 specials but, for this visit, I went for a medium yoghurt with a fruit topping – blueberry.

After my first spoonful, my reaction was “OK? Did I miss something?”. Actually, using Froyo Swirl as a reference point, I couldn’t taste the tartness/acidity of the yoghurt. In a way, it ended up flat as a somewhat too soft soft-serve. It was not necessarily bad, it just that it was not extraordinary, in the way other bloggers have written. Was it a bad day? Was it something I had during that day that obliterated my taste buds? That meant, to be safe, I needed to go a second time…

For my second visit, I went for their $5 special, a small with two toppings. For a change, rather than going for their original flavour, I went for green tea. Unlike my first visit, this time, I was able to taste some acidity. But, still, I found it a bit too soft for my liking.

Overall, I will repeat myself: I do not understand all the hype surrounding this place. Did I order the incorrect item from the menu? Should I have ordered something else (but frozen yoghurt is their main item!)? Again, their frozen yoghurt wasn’t totally bad, but it wasn’t that good either. Had it been located in a place without as much competition, it would have been quite decent. However, located in Denman Street, when it comes to dessert, they face a really stiff competition with all the gelato places nearby. Sure, this is not gelato, this is something different but, dessert is dessert! If you feel like it, be my guest; in my case, I will just pass…

Side note: after my first visit, I wrote a review in Urbanspoon. As a result of that review, Jessie, identified as one of the owners, sent me an email addressing some of the points I made reference to. I appreciate that fact; however, after my second visit, I will have to say it has not changed my mind in any way. As for the other points:

1) Environmentalism: I applaud Qoola’s efforts; however, the way the trash cans are placed… Let’s just say, when I am leaving, I will not stand at the entrance to read each container (opposite to each other) to see which one is the one I should be using to throw the trash away. It will really help if this process could be facilitated; otherwise, people like myself will just drop everything in the first trash I/they see…

2) Cultures… No, not human culture; rather, the bacterias required to turn milk into yoghurt . As mentioned, emphasis were made in the fact they use non-powdered yoghurt and probiotics. I appreciate they explained this to me; however that does not mean a lot. No, it does not have anything to do with science, I can handle that part of the equation. Instead, it is regarding the claims: it does not necessarily mean a lot (or at least to me). Why? Well, first of all, I usually eat plain yoghurt (2%, 3% or more). What that has to do with Qoola? Not much, other than I eat it because, in general, I believe it is good for me and nothing to do with probiotics. But, if you believe in such claims, I will highly recommend you read this article regarding probiotics and its follow-up article.

Tagged under: Dessert • Vancouver