Summertime Treats at Jeni’s, The Habit, Lazy Dog and More

Since this heatwave the last thing I’ve been wanting to do is cook. It’s just too hot to turn on the oven or stove and, frankly, I’m just too lazy. Luckily, several of my favorite spots have summer specials and I’ve been making the rounds sampling up a storm (thanks to complimentary gift cards and tastings).

The Habit is one of my go to spots for a quick lunch and I recently stopped in for their limited edition Fresh Berry and Toasted Almond Salad. Filled with mixed greens, toasted almonds, feta cheese, fresh strawberries and blueberries, and grilled chicken and topped with a strawberry balsamic vinaigrette the salad is both refreshing and filling. That’s one thing I love about salads at The Habit – all ingredients are prepped in house allowing them to be as fresh as can be.

Rubio’s is another “go to” lunchtime spot and new this summer is their grilled swordfish. Available for a limited time in tacos or bowls it’s a flavorful addition to the menu. I opted for the tacos and they were filled with cabbage, onions, cilantro, avocado and large chunks of fresh swordfish and topped with a Peruvian Aji Chili Salsa made with Aji peppers, garlic and lime juice. The salsa has a healthy kick of heat that perfectly complements the fresh fish.

At dinner time I’m happy to hit up the Lazy Dog for their trio of summer dishes – Chili Peanut Wings, Grilled Artichokes and Mini Corn Dogs. The corn dogs are fried to order and come with an IPA mustard and ketchup. These tasty little bites make the perfect starter. The Grilled Artichoke is steamed with lemons and herbs, grilled and then topped with a roasted garlic tahini making it a fresh, somewhat healthy, alternative. The Chili Peanut Wings are coated with a Thai inspired blend of pineapple juice, fish sauce, lime, jalapenos, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, sesame seeds, crushed peanuts and cilantro. A perfect combination of sweet and spice they’re out of this world delicious and I could easily eat a whole bowl full.

Lazy Dog also has added six new beers to its menu including the Huckleberry Haze IPA, Ankle Buster Blonde and Howling Hive Hefe. The latter is hands down my favorite – light and refreshing with a slight hint of banana.  It’s the perfect beer for a warm summer night.

Speaking of beer,Angel City recently released cans of Sunbather: Mosaic. The third offering in the Sunbather series this sour is deliciously tart with a tropical twist that’s perfect for summer. Not usually a fan of sours I absolutely loved it.

And just around the corner, on August 6, is the 16oz can release of Angel City’s Double IPA which is sure to be a people pleaser.

Of course, there’s always room for dessert and Yogurtland has a trio of new flavors including Butter Pecan Light Ice Cream.

Butter Pecan is flavor you don’t see that often anymore but I’ve always been a big fan of it. I paired Yogurtland’s with their Creamy Chocolate and Vanilla flavors and, topped with some dark chocolate pieces, it made for a delicious trio.

If you’d rather have traditional ice cream head on over to Jeni’s for a smorgasbord of summer flavors. On my visit I had Wildberry Lavender and Brambleberry Crisp in their new Buttercrisp Waffle Cone. Made with real butter and vanilla and blended with a hint of salt it’s a nice complement to their fresh ice cream.

These are but a few of the many summer treats I’ve been indulging in. My wallet will be happy come fall but my stomach will sure be missing these tasty flavors.