Pomegranate Garden: A Sampler of 6 of their signature desserts -- Strawberry Shortcake, Tiramisu, Raspberry Chocolate, Orange Chocolate, Chocolate Gateau, and Apple Pie.

Pomegranate, LA's newest all-vegan, gluten-free dessert shop will celebrate their official Grand Opening on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 from 11am to 5pm! They are located at 8556 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048 (near S. San Vicente, very close to Cedars Sinai and The Beverly Center). Pomegranate has already had their soft opening, so we were able to visit (twice so far!) and sample their many of their offerings. The shop itself is absolutely gorgeous, and the people there are very warm and welcoming. I'm not going to admit exactly how much I ate there last weekend, but let's just say I just couldn't stop myself. Everything was absolutely delicious, and I was so happy!

Raw Pyramid Cake with Chocolate, Berry, and Pistachio Mint Layers

One thing I love about Pomegranate desserts is that they are not overly sweet. Their Pastry Chef does not use any refined cane sugar, but instead utilizes the complex flavors of more natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, dates, and Japanese beet sugar. There is also a very wide variety of desserts, so there's something for everyone. There's Crème Brûlée, Strawberry Shortcake, and Tiramisu for your classic special-occasion desserts, but there's also a Green Tea Cake, studded with bits of mochi (sweet sticky rice cake) and a red Azuki Bean filling if you're in the mood for something with a Japanese flair. I also really enjoyed the Sweet Potato Soy Sauce Ice Cream, which we got sandwiched between two Sesame Seed Cookies...SO yummy! And then there are the cookies...which can be taken home to be enjoyed later or given (even shipped; check with them for costs) to special friends, family, and bloggers who write about new vegan dessert shops. Cookie flavors include Salted Caramel, Pumpkin, Pineapple, Rosemary, Green Tea, Earl Gray, Spiced Almond, and many more.

Cruelty-free Vegan Bath and Body Products

Desserts are their specialty, but there's so much more, too! Pomegranate offers box lunches and sushi from the one and only Shojin Organic and Natural Restaurant. Some of the things we spotted were a White Mushroom Pasta, Roasted Tomato Pasta, plus Dynamite and Baked "Scallop" Sushi Rolls. There is also an extensive drink menu which has Intelligentsia coffees, American Tea Room teas, several green teas from Shizuoka, Japan (a region known for producing some of the finest green teas in the world), as well as juices from California Juice and juices they press themselves.

Pomegranate also has their own line of cruelty-free vegan bath and beauty products, including Body Scrubs, Bath Milks, Lip Gloss, Perfumes, Body Butters, Spray Face Mists and more in delightful scents and colors. They have testers for everything, so be sure to try some before you leave!

As I write this post, I know they haven't even had their official Grand Opening yet, but I'm calling it. Pomegranate is bucket-list level for all vegan dessert lovers and anyone with a sophisticated sweet tooth. Definitely worth the drive from anywhere in southern California. You can also order whole cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Be sure to follow them on Instagram or Facebook for the latest news and special offers. I myself can't wait to go back. I think I hear the Mixed Berry Pineapple Cake calling my name...I'm coming for you soon my sweet!

Thanks for reading. And thank you Pomegranate for helping to make cruelty-free vegan living so delicious. Peace and love to all who live.

Susan