The California Post has named Swirlies the best independent ice cream maker in Los Angeles following a tasting at Smorgasburg's "ice cream alley." The festival featured seven vendors offering ice cream, gelato, and frozen yogurt.
Swirlies, which originated in Jalisco, Mexico, impressed judges with its traditional and Mexican-inspired flavors. The shop's banana ice cream was noted for its authentic taste and ultra-creamy texture, achieved through a specific preparation method according to co-owner Yardley Vergara. Vergara attributes the consistency to "the drill."
Swirlies also offers a signature frozen yogurt made with real fruit and yogurt, without added sugar, though a tamarind chamoy glaze can be added. The strawberry and peach varieties were particularly praised. The shop, founded by Vergara and his wife Vianca, brought the frozen yogurt concept from Vianca's native Jalisco to Los Angeles' Highland Park neighborhood, aiming to reintroduce Latino culture to the area.
Swirlies operates three carts and caters private events, having recently worked with clients such as LEGO and Olivia Rodrigo.
Another notable vendor was Innamorata Gelato, whose "Greek Goddess" gelato featured slow-churning, olive oil, and flakey sea salt, creating a thick, creamy, tart, and refreshing product. Founder Rebecca De Cosmis, who attended Gelato University in Chicago, focuses on creating healthy gelato options. The name "Innamorata" means "in love" and emphasizes enjoying gelato in shared moments.
Bernie's Italian Ice also received recognition for its smooth Italian ice with a hint of crunch. The passion fruit flavor was described as authentic and exceptionally refreshing, ideal for hot summer days in Los Angeles.