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Update: Solar Return is permanently closed, but you can still access the shop through their website! Additionally, Stephen is still making cakes, which are available for pick-up in Pasadena.
If you’ve never heard the song “Oh, What A World” by Kacey Musgraves, go watch the video right now. That song is this store embodied in its purest physical form.
Solar Return is a quirky vegan dessert shop in Echo Park. From the groovy decor to the stained glass rainbow, walking into Solar Points truly felt like entering a kaleidoscopic dream.
The star of the show at Solar Return are their artisanal raw vegan cheesecakes that are almost too beautiful to eat.
The owners are husband-and-wife team Stephen McCarty and Tracy Conti, who embarked on this journey in 2014 when Tracy had a vision of a rainbow raw vegan cheesecake.
Their most popular menu item is their Strawberry Rose Celestial Kiss Raw Vegan Cheesecake. Look at this stunning work of art. Before I ate it in my car, I kid you not, I stared at it for at least 15 minutes before even taking a small bite.
The intricate details of the eyes and mouths resemble a sculpture in a museum. It’s mind-blowing to think their creations are edible.
It looks like ice cream, but it’s actually a cake! There’s even cookie crust underneath. Stephen told me he keeps everything cold so that it lasts for several months! Because it’s raw and vegan, I thought the taste was barely going to be there, but to my surprise, the flavor was very robust and decadent. I gave it a lick and could taste the velvety texture. It was simply refreshing and incredibly delicious. For non-vegans out there, you have to try it!
None of the pastries at Solar Points are gluten-free, but the ingredients are 100% certified organic with the exception of the blue coloring, E3LIVE. Everything at Solar Points is refined sugar-free, and the colors are made from scratch using organic fruits and herbs.
There was a cake in the display case and when I inquired about it, he went to the backroom and came out with a big plate showing me the biggest size they can make. He says on the website: “For custom cakes, I usually use a photo of the person or people being honored to tune in with their energy.”
Upon reading more about Stephen, I found this interview from the website echoparkcraftfair.com in which he shared:
“My work is unique in this tradition because of my obsession with using only the highest quality plant-based ingredients, and dedicating a ridiculous amount of time to make the finished product express visually the unseen spirit in all things.”
This is what was available when I went there, but to see the full menu, click here. They also have ice cream pops and heart-shaped cheesecakes, which reminded me of the movie Alice in Wonderland.
In addition to their cakes, Solar Return is a metaphysical store where you’ll find candles, crystals, tarot cards, books, shirts from Stephen’s clothing line, as well as kombucha and a few LA-based coffee brand sacks.
To keep browsing through Solar Return’s multicolor edible creations, go to their Instagram, or go to Stephen McCarty’s personal Instagram page.
It was not just about how incredibly good the cheesecake was, but the “psychedelic” experience. Stephen’s beatific vibe and attire including colorful crocs, apron, John Lennon-style spectacles and a rainbow beanie, further proves that Solar Points is not your typical dessert shop.
The address is 1461 1/2 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026.
Hours are a little random so I’d call to make sure they’re open if you’re driving from somewhere far.
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 9am-11am and 2 pm to 5 pm. Sundays 10 am – 12 pm.
