Just Shnoo It!

Siiri Sampson 2011

Holy Shnoo. Mixed berry and chocolate begin a new flavor romance.

Just when we were ready to throw a flaming bag of poo at summer's door in protest of its belated arrival, a weekend of Seattle's finest weather comes through. It's not a moment too soon for sun-worshippers everywhere in the Northwest. Now all anyone can think about is frying their alabaster skin like a Maine lobster and choking back the tears of happiness with gallons of ice cream, gelato, and fro-yo. For Eastsiders, that means that a trip to Shnoo in Renton (830 N. 10th St., #M), to lick up the best low-cal, low-temp treat is now fully legit.

While gangly teens and athletic college coeds spoon their way through pint after pint of fatty Ben and Jerry's, the health-conscious crowd can flock to Shnoo for a guilty pleasure of their own, now minus the guilt.

Shnoo started in Seattle a few years back with a location downtown and one in Kirkland, but they now have spots in downtown Bellevue and in The Landing, in Renton. There are four flavors on tap right now: original (not vanilla, but a delightfully tangy and refreshing yogurt flavor--imagine that), mango, mixed berry, and strawberry. What makes this fro-yo the best in town isn't just that it's good for digestive health or stands in for its high-calorie cousin, ice cream. It's the best because the flavors are so bright and true to the actual food item without the slightest chalkiness or pasty texture or consistency.

Siiri Sampson 2011

Who knew getting a day's worth of calcium, protein, and live active cultures could taste so sweet?

The only thing lacking on the menu was a treat for the chocoholic. With only fruit flavors on deck at the moment, those who worship the cacao gods will have to settle (if you could even call it that) for dousing one of the existing flavors with brownie chunks, chocolate sauce, and white chocolate chips--not a bad consolation prize. With more than 10 toppings, including fresh fruit, nibs of various sweets, and a host of cereals from your childhood, no one leaves empty-handed. The best combination by far is mango fro-yo topped with fresh mango chunks and mochi bites. hat's right, tiny little nuggets of Asia's finest dessert graces the peaks and valleys of the mango mountain with a subtle coconut flavor, and pairs impeccably with the texture of the fresh mango.

Those who are really cracking down for the five swimsuit-worthy days in August can get their Shnoo in a cup--and a small dwarfs the size of its closest competitor. If calories aren't a contributing factor, then definitely try a Japanese-style crepe for a Shnoo wrapper. Flavors change frequently, so there's always an excuse to go back, not that you need one. No matter what flavor tickles your tongue, the icing on this frozen anti-cake is twofold: A small is only 130 calories before toppings, and Shnoo proudly serves Stumptown. What more could your sweet tooth ask for?

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