AROUND TOWN: I swirl, you swirl, we all swirl for U-Swirl

My friends and I have a new ritual. Before or after we go wherever we’re going, we stop at U-Swirl Frozen Yogurt at 790 Coronado Center Drive, near Eastern Avenue. One friend, Lisa, has even created a song as part of the experience. "I swirl, you swirl, we all swirl for U-Swirl."

We like the yogurt better than some of the other places, and it seems to be cheaper than most, but that’s not why it's our new spot. It’s the hands-on, personal creations that keep bringing us back.

At U-Swirl, you get to make your own dessert, including pulling the levers on one or all of the 16 flavor options and loading up on the 40 topping choices. Whether it’s tart flavored yogurt and fresh fruit, vanilla yogurt and cereal (my favorite) or a full on parfait with layers of frozen yogurt, cookie crumbles and candy pieces, the combinations seem endless. I even saw someone making a float using the fountain drinks last time I was there.

It also doesn’t hurt that U-Swirl is open until 11 p.m. during the week and midnight on Friday and Saturday. The treat costs 36 cents an ounce, including the topping and minus the weight of the cup. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, a comfy sectional couch to lounge on and free Wi-Fi. The flavors and toppings rotate, so check the Web site.

— Lauren Romano