It all started in Los Angeles with a chain called Pinkberry. A dessert shop selling one thing - frozen breakfast yogurt, with the option to add toppings such as fresh fruit, dry cereal and candy. Pinkberry gave way to Red Mango, Berry Wild and a host of other impostors. Each of these wannabes migrated with Pinkberry from L.A. to New York City.
With the "frozen breakfast yogurt as dessert" movement taking the country by storm, it was only a matter of time before one of these shops opened in Boston. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you - BoYo!
BoYo is Boston's first Pinkberry knock-off. Its located in the Charles River Plaza in Beacon Hill, next to the Whole Foods. The decor looks like the inside of a gum ball machine. The colors are bright and cheerful, the staff wears neon green and pink T-shirts, and the display cases are lit by cool light fixtures that look like meringues.
You can order the yogurt in original, berry or banana flavors. Currently customers are voting for the next flavor to replace banana. Choices include: peach, mango, honey, and coconut. BoYo offers multiple toppings - fruit, dry cereal, candy and sprinkles. They also offer about 12 flavors of gelato if you are afraid to try the signature offering.
The first time I had Pinkberry, I hated it. But once I realized that it was meant to taste like frozen breakfast yogurt and not ice cream, I started to get it. Then next time I went I actually loved it. Since Pinkberry itself hasn't made its way to Boston, BoYo was an exhilarating discovery! Its easy to get to, the shop itself is adorable, the selection is great and they serve regular sized chocolate chips, not the mini chips like Pinkberry. The more chocolate, the better, I always say.
Find a night to make your way to BoYo. The staff is great about letting you taste flavors. If you think you'll be back (and I guarantee you will) ask for a frequent flyer card. Receive enough stamps and your next cup is on them!
Go, go to BoYo!
