Yogurt heaven

It’s a whole new way to cool off.

Just in time for the summer, Yo Sweets opened up on Fifth Avenue in late May. The first of many stores in the chain that will open in neighborhoods across the borough, the restaurant is based on a different concept, explained owner Raymond Yeung.

“Besides regular frozen yogurt that you can put anything on top of, we have a fresh juice bar, smoothies and homemade crepes and waffle,” Yeung explained.

On our visit, we tried a variety of yogurt flavors and toppings (49 cents per ounce), piping the cooling delights into cups that stand at the ready. The day we were there, there was a total of 16 flavors to choose from , and a copious bar of toppings

One of us indulged in a combination of low-fat Dulce de Leche frozen yogurt, and non-fat Chocolate and Cheesecake frozen yogurts, topped with crumbled English Toffee, chocolate-covered pretzels, caramel turtles and fresh raspberries. The cup weighed in at 9.4 ounces and its contents were as sweet and refreshing as one could wish, the toppings adding crunch to the smooth frozen and rich-tasting delight – an ambrosial treat for the palate, especially on a hot summer’s day.

Another tasted low-fat, rich, moist and deliciously-sweet Dulce de Leche frozen yogurt topped non-fat Pomegranate Raspberry Sorbet, a combination that would make anyone’s mouth water—especially so when we added a variety of the toppings to make it a one-of-a-kind experience.

Chocolate pretzels, peanuts, caramelized walnuts, coconut flakes and English toffee, plus the addition of the caramel turtles (which were literally shaped as turtles) gave this 11.2 ounce cup a reason to skip lunch and go straight to dessert.

But, we weren’t done. Next up was a freshly made crepe, crispy on the outside, filled with chunks of fresh banana and strawberry, plus dollops of Nutella, and folded over and topped with squiggles of Nutella and a drizzle of powdered sugar ($2,95 for basic crepe, pus $1 per addition). This was Nirvana for those with a sweet tooth, comfort food with a capital C.

We also tried the fresh waffle ($2.95, plus $1 per addition), with six heart-shaped segments, all ready to catch the fresh raspberries and blueberries sprinkled on top, as well as slices of tart-sweet kiwi. It was intensely satisfying without being cloying, the perfect light dessert.

Everything in the establishment is made with fresh fruits and veggies. Customers who want a smoothie have their choice of adding a booster, such as protein, plus organic sweeteners.

“The ingredients are good for your health,” Yeung said, noting that most of the flavors are fat-free and some are low-fat. “The flavors rotate from time to time.”

Unlike other frozen yogurt joints that use powder and milk to make their yogurt, Yo Sweets yogurt is kosher, custardized Dannon.

“The quality is the best,” Yeung said, adding that the fresh fruit and toppings used are cut to order daily. “We go to the fruit market every day. Other places order just once a week.”

Yo Sweets also carries organic wheat grasses and is looking to introduce special seasonal drinks.

Yo Sweets

8410 Fifth Avenue

718-333-5800

Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Free delivery (minimum $10)

www.yocream.com