Thursday, May 19, 2011

All-Natural Creations at boYO

On Tuesday evening, I had the pleasure of attending a tasting at boYO in the Charles River Plaza on Cambridge Street. Upon walking inside, I was immediately greeted by owner Lori Peljovich, who offered me a "cocktail" - aka, a Strawberry Banana Smoothie in a small margarita class.


While I sipped the fresh, frozen smoothie, I chatted with Lori and the other bloggers in attendance, which included Forays of a Finance Foodie, Recipe Can, Boston Bakes and Fussy Eater. I also took in the bright, cheery decor - complete with pink balloons, which were in honor of boYO's second birthday, happening the next day.


Before we started sampling some of boYO's frozen treats, Lori explained to us the concept of boYO, driving home the fact that all of her creations are fresh, natural and thus good for you (depending on what toppings you choose - which range from Cocoa Puffs to fresh fruit). Even one blogger asked: "How do you get the blueberry and blackberry flavors in your Black and Blue yogurt? Syrups? Powders?" Lori responded, casually: "We use blackberries and blueberries." What a concept.

Our first sample was boYO's original frozen yogurt, served with a fresh raspberry. The flavor was like no frozen yogurt I had before - it tasted exactly like a cup of plain yogurt, just extra creamy and cold. It was clear there were no added sugars or artificial flavors here. 


Next up was the Black and Blue, which was one of my favorites we tried that evening. The flavor was just so fresh, and being a huge fan of blueberries, I liked how the blueberry flavor was very prominent throughout. 


For the sweeter tooths, Lori then brought us a "twist" creation (where you can combine any two current flavors). Our twist this evening included Birthday Cake and Oreo yogurts, complete with mini chocolate chips. I liked this combination, but I would have enjoyed these two flavors better if they were separate - which might be due to my lack of a sweet tooth. 


Our tasting marathon continued with the Banana yogurt, garnished with peanut butter chips. I adore the combination of banana with peanut butter, so this was a total win for me. The banana flavor was just so real. I usually hate banana-flavored things (although I love bananas), but since actual, real bananas are used in this recipe - and it showed - I really enjoyed this. 


Next up was the boYO Berry, which is a medley of fresh berries, including raspberries. I commented to Lori how I will be craving this on a hot summer day (if a hot summer day ever happens this year). It was very refreshing and light. 


Our last sample was the Iced Coffee flavored yogurt, which I must say was my least favorite of the evening (I write this as I'm guzzling down an iced coffee, mind you). For some reason, the tangy yogurt mixed with one of my favorite flavors in the world just didn't do it for me. I can also be a little sensitive when it comes to the flavor of yogurt, though - so if you're a regular yogurt eater, and you also love coffee - I think this is definitely worth a taste.


In addition to frozen yogurt, boYO also serves gelato (the Bailey's flavor is out-of-this-world), sorbet, Brigham's ice cream, pies, and candy, to name a few. They also make the waffle cones on the premises, which you can smell immediately upon walking into the place. 



After we tasted our samples, Lori let us go behind the counter and create our own dishes. This was a really fun and interactive way to see how the boYO process works. You first simply pick a yogurt/gelato/ice cream/sorbet flavor, then add as many toppings and syrups as you wish. Will power is optional. 

Finance Foodie and Recipe Can making their creations!

Lori and the Fussy Eater.

Boston Bakes filling her cup with some Original boYO.

Some of our toppings choices. 

Syrups galore!
My creation included Oreo yogurt, crushed Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Nutella syrup, a little banana and granola. Not a bad combination, if I do say so myself!

My creation.

Overall, my experience at boYO was an incredibly positive one. Lori is clearly passionate about her product, and I love the fact that these normally-indulgent treats are actually good for you, thanks to the natural ingredients inside of them. There are also endless combinations of toppings, yogurts, etc. - and the menu is ever-changing. Lori's even open to trying out new flavors, per her customer's requests, so if you have a frozen yogurt you wish existed - just ask Lori. She'll probably make it for you.

Thanks, boYO, for a wonderful evening!

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6 comments:

  1. BoYo really does listen to their customers. I suggested a flavor on a whim and next day I walked past and it was on the board! Needless to say I had to go in and buy one. I have not tried a bad flavor yet from there. A hint about the new birthday cake flavor... it takes more like birthday cake if you let it melt a little bit. My first sample it tasted just plain, but after letting it rest for a few moments as I walked home with it, I could really taste the birthday cake flavor.

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  2. All of those flavors sound so tasty! I especially love your creation. I wish I had been able to make it to this event!

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  3. Thanks for the great feedback!

    And Megan, great seeing you last night!

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  4. I'm intrigued by the birthday cake flavor. I would definitely try it!

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  5. boYo is down the street from me and I love stopping in there during the summer. Now if we could just get some froyo weather!

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  6. I'm so bummed I had to miss this event! I hope they hold another one. I looove frozen yogurt! :-)

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