Xooro

How the heck do you pronounce "Xooro?" That's the first question. Thankfully, this Santa Monica sweet-tooth boutique answers that question with it's tagline: SURE-oh.

The second question is: Just what is it, exactly? Xooro's slick marketing takes great pains to distinguish these sweet treats from your average churros, although that's basically what they are. But Xooro gives there cylindrical yummies a European twist, taking the treat back to its regional Spanish roots (thus the fancy-schmancy spelling).

Xooro also takes a page from the cupcakery/Pinkberry movement, dolling itself up with sleek, colorful interior design, and a Yogurtland-like variety of choices for fillings.




It's also got a killer location, just a skip and a jump off the Promenade. After gorging at Anisette for Chris's birthday and then taking in the Pacific off Ocean Ave., we strolled back up Broadway and saw it.

Yuri and I split a Nutella Xooro and didn't regret it. It was warm, light, just sweet enough, and crisp. Tommy and Lisa' chocolate Xooro was just as good, and both had a good ratio of goo to pastry.



Did we mention that the place has decent coffee? If we were kids from San Mo high or Crossroads, we'd be all over this place. Tourists probably love it too.

The next time we're in the neighborhood, we'll have to face a classic Yuri & Chris dilemma: Do we order what was so good last time, or do we try a new flavor and risk disappointment? Decisions, decisions!