LA Sweet Treat: Saffron & Rose Ice Cream

Because ice cream is always a good idea. Especially this place.

Tehrangeles, also known as "Little Persia," on Westwood Blvd, is a cultural treasure of Los Angeles and is easy to miss if you're just driving by, even though there's signs — literally — on the shops along the boulevard in Persian.

Residing in this area is Saffron & Rose Ice Cream — a piece of Persian culture not to be missed. And once you discover it, ice cream won't be the same.

It wasn't until late in my college years — as in my last year of college at UCLA, when I was living in Westwood — that I heard of Saffron & Rose Ice Cream. And it wasn't until Krystal visited and suggested we go (after I had already graduated and wasn't living in Westwood anymore) that I had my first understanding of what all the fuss was about.

This last Saturday, I was fortunately in the area and made it a priority to get some needed ice cream. Finding street parking on Westwood Blvd is a matter of luck, so try going off the main street and into the neighborhoods to find parking — you might have a better chance. Or you can do what we did and let a friend drive the car while you go in to get your scoop of heaven.

The small is $4, which is what I got, and that includes two scoops. While Saffron & Rose offers standards like chocolate, and mint and chip; they also have not-so-common ones like lavender, orange blossom, and cucumber. I like to try off-beat flavors, so I decided on a combination of white rose and saffron + pistachio. I also don't mind tasting smell, if that makes sense, so while my friends were a little put off about the saffron + pistachio combo, I didn't mind that I was basically eating the smell of potpourri. I thought it was great. And the texture is so nice and creamy. They make the ice cream by hand with whole organic milk with pure saffron and rose water. Don't ask me the process, but it tastes good so they must be doing something perfect.

And, in case you fall in love with a certain flavor, you can buy pints in addition to your 2, 3, or 4 scoop cup.

There's space to eat inside and also some tables outside — although the cars going by doesn't offer the greatest ambiance. I'd suggest taking your ice cream to enjoy as you explore the rest of the neighborhood.

Location: 1387 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Feel free to recommend any of your favorite flavors or share the strangest ones you've eaten!