Menchie's (Toronto - Richmond Hill)

The self-serve frozen yogurt craze has arrived in Toronto!  I'm not quite sure when it got started, but last Thursday was the first time I've had it in the Toronto area when I decided to stop by a Menchie's franchise (a chain from the US that has since expanded across the globe) in the suburb of Richmond Hill.  Menchie's also has a location the Annex in Toronto.

Menchie's in Richmond Hill is a decent-sized shop with a good amount of seating, though I was surprised by the relatively small number of froyo flavors available.  For those not familiar with self-serve froyo, you basically pick up a cup, get whatever flavor of froyo you want, add toppings, and pay by how much your cup weighs.  If I recall correctly, Menchie's in Richmond Hill charges over $0.50 per ounce, which is a little more than I'm used to in the US.  For my froyo, I chose the Pineapple Tart, which could have been more flavorful, and the Red Velvet, which was quite delightful.  Menchie's offers a variety of toppings, including the standard candies and nuts as well as grapes and banana as their fresh fruit options, as well as some interesting and exotic toppings like mochi and "popping boba."  Being the adventurous type, I had to try the popping boba (along with some mochi, of course).  The popping boba came in three flavors - mango, strawberry, and lychee - and I threw in all three.  I had initially thought they were like the kind of chewy tapioca balls you find in bubble tea, but I couldn't be more wrong.  These little boba beads have a thin outer layer that really does pop when you bite into them, releasing the juices inside.  They actually reminded me of caviar, only with fruity flavors, of course.  For what it's worth, it was an interesting topping and worth a try in my opinion.

Frozen Yogurt at Menchie's.
I think this came to a little over $6.

Close-up view of the popping boba.

Overall, Menchie's was a decent treat, and given the relative novelty and unavailability of self-serve froyo in the Toronto area at this time (particularly in the northern suburbs), this is a good place to go.  Despite Menchie's international success, however, my favorite froyo place is still Pittsburgh's very own Razzy Fresh!

Restaurant info:
Menchie's
9360 Bathurst Street, Richmond Hill, ON (see website for other locations)
(905)832-3533 

On the web: http://www.menchies.com