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Counter CultureCounter Culture's Unique Take on Frozen Yogurt Brings it Back into the Mainstreamby Maggie Heyn Richardson
Seven days a week, Counter Culture reels in diners of all kinds for super smooth frozen yogurt, cool specialty drinks, and healthy eats. The yogurt is 98 percent fat free and is also available in low-sugar varieties. Gold says he puts a premium on serving fresh fruits and quality, house-made specialties. "One of our most popular items is the Humphrey Yogart," says Gold, 26. This delectable dish - a dessert for some, a meal for others - includes plain frozen yogurt topped with three fresh fruits, crunchy granola and honey. Situated at the frenzied corner of Perkins and Essen, Counter Culture offers a convenient drive-thru and a hip, appealing interior. Throughout the day, customers bop in for yogurt cones, fresh sandwiches, yogurt and fruit juice blends, and the oh-so-addictive "Banana Crack," Counter Culture's take on a banana split. "Some people come every day and order the same thing," says Gold, "When we see them coming, we have their order ready for them." Inside, diners are met with cheery tequila lime walls, electric yellow and orange furnishings, and scored concrete floors. There's an LSU vibe here, but all ages are making this lively stop part of their regular routine.
If a hot lunch is more your thing, try a hickory smoked ham and melted cheddar hoagie-style served with mustard and the restaurant's secret dressing. Pizza lovers will be charmed by the decadent pizzaletta, all the ingredients you love in a muffaletta served on a slice.
Relaxed and family-friendly, Counter Culture is a great spot for a casual dinner or dessert and coffee. Kids will love a yogurt cone, especially when it's sprinkled with a yummy topping like crushed Oreos, Gummy Bears, Andes mints, M and M's, chocolate sprinkles or peanut butter chips. And if your dessert isn't complete unless it's covered in nuts, take solace in toppings like cashews, pecans, almonds, coconut, honey, and raisins. Not only is Gold committed to using fresh fruit, but he also buys as much regional produce as he can. "When strawberries are in season in Louisiana, we carry local ones," he says. Counter Culture buys most of its fruits from Southside Produce across the street on Perkins Road. It's a crime not to sample the unique plain yogurt Counter Culture has become famous for, but there are always other flavors to tempt your pallet as well. Daily specials rotate, but could include vanilla, summer strawberry, chocolate, lemon, almond, peanut butter, banana cream, Créme de Menthe, mango and butter pecan. "Everybody has their favorite," says Gold. Saunter in or drive-thru, and you will, too.
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There's nothing plain about the plain-flavored yogurt at Counter Culture. "You just have to try it," says owner/manager Brooks Gold, "it's hard to describe." He's right. Instantly, your mouth is hit with something sinfully creamy. And the flavor? It's both sweet and tangy, the way real yogurt tastes.
"We get really busy at lunch," says Gold. "You can always call your order ahead to make it faster." Daily specials include homemade chili, lighter summer soups, and soup/salad or soup/sandwich combos. Sandwiches like the ever-popular Avocado Delight are served on honey wheat bread with sprouts, crispy lettuce and fresh, ripe tomatoes. Customers love the made-from-scratch egg salad, the chicken, and the traditional tuna salad. Counter Culture is also one of the few places in town where you can find that classic American favorite, pimento cheese.
Craving something fresh, light and crunchy? Try the garden-fresh combination salad, which features seasonal veggies, sprouts, and a scoop of homemade egg salad. You can't go wrong with the house salad. It sports shredded radicchio, chopped tomatoes, fresh, assorted greens and sliced egg and can be dressed with ranch, blue cheese, Italian, tomato basil or Cabernet Sauvignon vinaigrettes. Who says this is just a yogurt shop?
