All of our favorite fast-food chains have secret, off-the-menu items that are super fun to try (and post on Instagram). L.A.’s very own T.R. Sandwich Shop is no exception. We tried their off-the-menu Blueberry Custard, and here are all our thoughts!
The Top Round Sandwich Shop is one of the hottest and up-and-coming restaurant franchises in L.A. Their menu is the perfect mix of fast-food convenience a homemade taste, but there is one item on it that you won’t find on their online and offline options: The Blueberry Custard.
Their blueberry custard is hands-down one of the scrumptious desserts I’ve had in L.A., and you can only buy it in-store if you specifically ask for it.
It’s as if Your Grandma Made It!
First thing’s first, the custard’s look and feel feels so nostalgic; it’s almost as if you’re sitting on your patio having a conversation about life with homemade desserts on the side. Food nostalgia is a thing, and I felt myself take several trips down memory lane when I was trying this dessert.
Felt Fresh as Daisies
The moment the waitress set the plate in front of me, I noticed the custard’s creaminess and smelled the fragrance of the blueberry. Condensed milk usually has an off-putting smell and taste to it, which was entirely lacking from this dessert, too.
Everything felt fresh and delightful on my tastebuds: the custard milk, the honey syrup, and the blueberries. I was genuinely surprised by how straight-out-of-a-herb-garden the ingredients tasted like. All in all, the midway-between-single-and-double-cream consistency and the blend of flavors went wonderfully together; plus, the blueberries added a nice pop to an otherwise soft dish.
I felt like they could have worked on the presentation a bit: but honestly, that’s too much expectation from a secret, off-the-menu item.
It’s a Cheat-Day Food
Goes without saying, of course: it’s a dessert, and most desserts are on the unhealthy side. If you’re a health-conscious person, you might want to add it to your cheat-day menu. Given the serving size and fruitiness of this dessert, it makes for a delicious alternative to the unhealthy, 800-calorie-per-serving desserts.
The Take-Away
So, is this the best dessert in L.A.? It depends on your own taste.
Overall, I’d give this dessert a solid 4.5 out of 5, and here’s why:
- It has high-quality ingredients
- It’s a dessert in a fast-food chain
- It has a little bit of everything: the taste, the presentation, and the feelings
Dessert-only restaurants and cafes will price the same dish higher, so I think it’s excellent value for money.
I can’t tell you it’s the best custard I’ve had in L.A – the verdict is still out on that one – but the soft, warm texture of the custard drizzled with hot jam, garnished with fresh blueberries and herbs, and the food-nostalgic feeling will definitely make me revisit and ask for seconds!
If you’re interested, grab your bags and knock on the T.R. Sandwich Shop ASAP or order online. No one knows how long the secret menu item will last, so don’t miss out!