Nostalgia minus some calories: Yogurtland

A common thread I have found woven between the childhoods of many of my acquaintances is going to “The Ice Cream Place”. This was a highly-anticipated event which could be used to manipulate children into good behavior, when one would go with one’s family, or grandma, or b.f.f., and totally pig out on sugary dairy goodness. (My place was Swensons.) Inevitably the recollection of such times at the ice cream place will conjure a smile, and a faraway look that communicates, “If only I could relive those experiences. And not gain ten pounds a month.”
Yogurtland is The Ice Cream Place for grown-ups. Unless you are a total downer, I promise you some sort of happy rush as you walk through its doors and realize that before you lie 16 or so self-serve frozen yogurt flavors, begging you to sample them, accept them, reject them, whatever – begging you to interact with them. (You might have to wait a while before you get to do this; people can be mighty reflective in line about their yogurt choices.) So grab a styrofoam container, and go for it. To help you out with your selections, I should inform you that Yogurtland’s flavors can be divided into two major categories: Tart, and Normal. The tart flavors are, go figure, not very sweet and have the tangy smack of plain yogurt. This may be a taste that you have to acquire, unless you are Asian or my husband. As for the “normal” flavors, I am a big fan of the Chocolate Mint, but you’ll have to pick your own poison. They range from regular old Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry to fancier ones like Espresso, Green Tea, and Raspberry Cheesecake.
But wait, the happiness grows. Once you have dispensed your yogurt, you proceed to a smorgasbord of toppings that looks like something out of the food-fight scene in Hook. Well, minus the Technicolor frosting and roasted meats, but there are a ton of choices, including cookie dough bits, crushed oreos, gummy bears, and a variety of chopped fresh fruit. Major bonus: as with the yogurt, the toppings are self-serve (no more wincing as the person behind the counter overloads your dessert or sells you short!). So load up, but remember: you have to pay 30 cents an ounce for your creation. Plop your container of deliciousness down on the scale, and the friendly cashier will ring you up. All you have left to do is dig in, and prepare yourself for the cravings that may follow at all hours in the ensuing time until you visit Yogurtland again.

Extra tips for enjoying Yogurtland:
1) Read the yogurt-extolling blurbs that are plastered all over the walls. If you are a grammar snob at all, you’ll have a knee-slappin’ good time.
2) Bring some boba with you and put it on top of your Plain Tart yogurt. This is Aaron’s tip, not mine. Have at it if you wish (or dare).
3) Go really, really late, like right before they close, or at odd hours in order to avoid their notoriously long lines.

Locations / Hours:
Fullerton: 501 N. State College Blvd. Ste. C Sun.-Thurs. 10 am-12 am; Fri. & Sat. 10 am-12:30 am
Irvine: 14775 Jeffrey Rd. Ste. J Mon.-Thurs. 11 am-11:30 pm; Fri. & Sat. 10:30 am-12:30 am; Sun. 10:30 am-11:30 pm