The Frozen Yogurt Wars Rage On

Only a short time ago, New Yorkers were enamored of Tasti-d-Lite. It often verged on obsession.

Now, yogurt has come into vogue - yogurt of the frozen variety.

LA-based Pinkberry first hit Manhattan in an odd location - Koreatown - but soon seemed to pop up branches everywhere, a la Starbucks.

Not long after Pinkberry set stake in the Big Apple its arch-rival straight from Korea, Red Mango, hit town as well. Not to be outdone by their U.S. adversary, they shrewdly set up shops within close proximity, thereby forcing the New York frozen confection eating public into a frenetic quandary.

Pinkberry or Red Mango? Which way to go?

It's a tough call. Last night I was joined by my friends Ruth and Karen for a little taste test to see who's tangy whipped treats would come out on top. We ordered up two plain smalls at the Pinkberry on Bleecker and downed them as we headed across the street to Red Mango. Karen dared to walk in and ask for three tastes so we could huddle outside the door for our compare and contrast.

Hmmm...Another taste...Hmmm...

Both were creamy, tart and icy....Hmmm...

Ultimately, we all gave up, unprepared to broker peace by declaring a winner.

What can I say? War is a cold and messy business. And in this case it comes with a wide variety of delectable fruit, cereal and candy toppings.

Comments

[Ruth]

As one of the tasters in last night's frozen yogurt adventure, I must say that I liked Pinkberry's distinctive tanginess ... as opposed to Red Mango's creamy blandness...i don't want to be too harsh considering the tiny tasting cup was hardly sufficient for a proper critique, but that said, my vote at the moment is with the P'berry.

[joaquin ochoa]

Pinkberry should have known better to set up shop there. Serious, they aren't going to just move into the K-Town hood and not hear about it...Viva Mango Madness...The Rooster has spoken.

[joaquin ochoa]

Pinkberry should have known better to set up shop there. Serious, they aren't going to just move into the K-Town hood and not hear about it...Viva Mango Madness...The Rooster has spoken.