Get It While It’s Not Hot: The Churro Milkshake
If you think a churro is nothing without its warm, gooey center, turns out you couldn’t be more wrong. Churro purists, look away. Because if you hit the Counter before July 1 you will no doubt succumb to the sweet, chunky, cinnamon-laden brilliance of the churro milkshake. Oh yes.
The only way this Milkshake of the Month from Santa Monica’s gourmet burger joint could be more delicious is if it had some sort of horchata component. (It employs the unambitious though sensible “vanilla” base. You could argue that they didn’t want to overdo it, but this is a restaurant that will pile fried egg, fried pickles and “horseradish cheddar” on your burger if you so desire.) Even so, it is awe-inspiring. It’s also further evidence of Los Angeles’ raging case of multiple personality disorder, bringing to mind a scene in which a smog-darkened churro truck plows through the uber-stylish garage door that takes up one wall of the Counter and explodes with bits of fried dough, giving diners something new to drink with their black forest ham-covered burger.
The only downside, and this should be obvious: Straw stoppage is considerable, so you must be coordinated enough for the spoon/straw combo. You can do it.
The Counter’s Churro Milkshake
2901 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica
Last chance: June 30
Wow. Just, wow! Did I mention, wow?
The Counter really has the best burgers. Customization is always priceless, but the beef itself is always grilled to perfection. But don’t wear your favorite shirt because a flood of juices comes out at the first bite. Okay, now I wish I had enough money to afford Counter, damnit.