Leda’s Bake Shop

I had to bump this post up in line because of the few days left that you can actually get them. Last week my boyfriend and I went to the Valley to find some cupcakes. Driving down Ventura longer than I would ever think I need to (I am never in that area), we finally found Leda’s Bake Shop. As you can see, the facade is cute and the bake shop is small.

While sampling the numerous cookies and scones, I chose a couple of cupcakes. Of course the Red Velvet cupcake, which was vegan (probably use oil). It didn’t stand out to me at all, probably because of the vegan frosting not being as good as a dairy-ful / dairy-licious cream cheese frosting. Although I wasn’t too impressed by the Red Velvet, I loved the Peanut Butter cupcake. It was a peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting. Delicious. This place is notorious for having frosting that has a dab of filling (curd, ganache, cream) inside. A hidden gem (sorry no picture of that).

They have a plethora of cupcake flavors. I don’t know the gossip behind it, but they are shutting down cupcake sales in a few days (the 19th to be exact). Supposedly they will still sell cupcakes, but only for orders. I think this is a little ridiculous, because good cupcakes are a great cash cow. However, I do understand that it takes a lot of time and effort to make them (especially the little ones!). But - to stop selling something that people obviously enjoy, is like making alcohol illegal. Exactly like the Prohibition. I don’t know.. it’s 7 in the morning, you get what I’m trying to say.

So if you’re a fan of them already, this is a reminder to go get some. If you’re not a fan and live close enough, this is a recommendation for you to go try some. Or order some.

Leda’s Bake Shop
13722 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
818-386-9644

Sherman Oaks: Humphrey Yogart

Like a zombie for brains, I craved frozen yogurt last week. I did not want to go to my usual yogurt stomping grounds, but wanted to try some different “brains”. I searched online and found positive reviews for Humphrey Yogart in Sherman Oaks and that was all I needed to justify a trip to Sherman Oaks. The location is conveniently next to a Gelsons grocery store in a plaza. Although the reviews said parking was ample, the lunch rush made the lot packed. However, parking farther away is not as bad as having to find street parking, paying for parking, or waiting for someone to leave to find parking.

Humphrey’s is quite small inside and also sells sandwiches, salads, and random Atkins-friendly products (low carb, high protein of everything: bars, dressings, ice cream to go, etc). They have 3 standard “yogart” flavors: Sweet Vanilla, Tart Vanilla, and Chocolate (made from the sweet vanilla and premium chocolate). On a daily basis they rotate flavors of carbolite and sugar free. They also offer regular ice cream and a soy option. I sampled some of their carbolite yogurts, but opted for the regular nonfat yogurt. You select your ice cream “base” and choose a topping (they have over 30). The method of mixing them is not like Cold Stone’s or 21 Choices, but is all done by a machine. I chose the sweet vanilla with blueberries. The result was an icy textured refreshing delight. It is like a thicker Jamba Juice smoothie (when it is just prepared and still really icy) than it is creamy and smooth like 21 Choices. It was light and enjoyable, making me feel like I was being healthy. I would go again.

Humphrey Yogart
4574 Van Nuys Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Get Directions(818) 906-2490