Fells Point Focus: Mr. Yogato

     This Baltimore neighborhood has certainly not been shortchanged when it comes to wowing reviews, publicity, or foot-traffic. I would, however, like to reiterate just how vibrant a place Fells is, and some of the things, discovered and not, that make it an incredibly enjoyable spot. I am certainly not the only one attempting to do so- recently The Sun published an article highlighting the Fells Point Food Tour- a new program which takes members to the finest culinary institutions in the area, and provides them with samplings of small Greek dishes, fine wines, and draft beers. But in addition to all of the fine dining opportunities (this week is Baltimore Restaurant Week- take advantage!!) offered here, there are a number of excellent spots to go for a walk, spend a summer weeknight, or top off that four star meal.

     I will begin with what is, in my opinion, the crowning jewel of Fells Point. Opened last year, Mr. Yogato Frozen Yogurt captures the hip, fun-loving spirit that is becoming increasingly pervasive in the downtown district. At Yogato's one can play Mario and any other variety of old-school games on an original Playstation, immediately eliciting memories of playdates and years past. A number of low tables provide places to sit, and board-games are strategically- no pun intended- arranged around the room. Battleship and Connect 4 faceoffs are a common sight.
     On a large whiteboard, Yogato offers weekly and monthly physical challenges. If a visitor successfully completes one (thus far they have proven nearly impossible), he receives a 30% discount on his yogurt. The wall also serves as a place for customers to scribe random musings, philosophical thoughts, hypothetical questions, and to respond to the establishment's frequently updated questions-- "What is your favorite book?" "What flavor would you like to see next?" The wall serves as a facilitator between customers and the employees, and also allows visitors to connect to one another in a light-hearted way.

      Behind the counter, a second seating area houses couches, stools, and coffee table books, as well as more board-games. This spot is more secluded, and many don't even realize it's there; thus it remains a cozy place to enjoy one's yogurt, a secret garden.
     Mr. Yogato encourages guests and employees to be fun-loving, offering discounts for answering trivia questions, getting stamps on their foreheads, and reciting movie speeches. Just as the discount opportunities change, so do the flavors- Yogato keeps people coming back and encourages frequent visits by offering the tried but true punch card-- ten stamps gets you a free yogurt, and through its unique 30-Day Challenge- any customer who tallies thirty consecutive visits gets the next flavor named after him.

     Speaking of flavors, Yogato offers both customary and wild flavors, with appropriately fun names. Currently, it offers Tangy (a clean, less sweet flavor that most closely resembles regular yogurt), Creamy (closest to vanilla), Chocolate, and its flavor of the month; Pineapple. In the past, the spot has featured pomegranate and a variety of other citrus and berry inspired flavors. Of course, what frozen yogurt is best known for, however, are the toppings. This is no exception-- a local bakery provides new mix-ins, including various brownie, cake, and cookie choices. Then there are the fruits-- kiwi, blueberry, mango, raspberries. But where it really gets interesting is with the sweet choices-- every type of cereal imaginable, from Cap'n Crunch to Cookie Crisp. Granola. Oreos. Countless types of candy. And the place is even stocked with a "free toppings" shelf, featuring everything from pepper flakes to balsamic glaze, and perhaps the more traditional sprinkles and Hershey's syrup. The Baltimore Sun exposed these unique offerings, but did little justice to the aura of the establishment itself. I will complete its sentence(s), so to speak.
     Through constant Facebook updates and its conversational staff, Yogato encourages recommendations and constructive criticism, and its direct connection with consumers has proven an effective approach to building a base of supporters. Although parking is worse than a challenge most nights, it is well worth the drive, the navigation, and the (sometimes several) loops of surrounding streets to arrive at this destination. It may be the new kid on the block, but it has proven its mettle and become a staunch competitor of favorites Maggie Moo's ice cream and Pitango Gelato, situated across S. Broadway. Prices remain low, and with intriguing opportunities for discounts and one-of-a-kind atmospheres and flavors, as well as the perceived health advantages of yogurt over ice cream, many have begun to shift their allegiances from the aforementioned classics.
     On Wednesday nights, Films on the Pier offers free movies on a big screen down by the water. What could be better than kicking out on a dock and enjoying a movie, complete with a view of the sparkling harbor, as lights shimmer and catch the gentle waves, and crabs scuttle below the dock? Oh yeah, being able to do this with a delicious frozen yogurt in hand. So here's a 30-Day Challenge- get yourself to Yogato before the summer melts away.


(photo: Mr. Yogato Facebook Photos, author.)