HONEY'S @ BEAR DONUT

Sometimes after a satisfying meal like this, you want to get a sweet treat just to make your meal well rounded! Around the corner in the neighborhood is Honey's at Bear Donut with inventive ice cream that is so refreshing! We took some time to sit down with the owner, Honey Kim to talk about Bear Donut. We talked about her passion for ice cream, her process and what we should think about having when we come in!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into Honey's at Bear Donut, tell us about Bear Donut and what is the ethos behind this eatery?

HONEY KIM: Bear Donut opened in 2022 in the heart of New York City. Traditional mochi donuts often highlight Asian-inspired flavors, but we wanted to do something different. To take the mochi donut format and apply it to everyday American donut flavors. We thought it would be fun to create something that feels familiar but still has that chewy mochi texture people love.

AM: As the co-founder of Bear Donut, can you share your background?

HK: Interestingly, I’ve always been in the e-commerce and online business world. I opened my first online shop in high school and continued to run various online businesses. My last project was a beauty brand called ARTIPS, which was carried by retailers like Anthropologie, Free People, Madewell, and Mure + Grand. I never imagined myself in the hospitality world, but when I first experienced the face-to-face customer connection, it felt magical. Although the industries are different, I’ve always loved creating experiences, and food quickly became my favorite way to do so. Over time, I found myself most drawn to dessert, and Bear Donut became my way of turning that passion into something real.

AM: What are 3 donuts on Bear Donut's menu that we should have in mind?

HK: The Maple Caramel, Toasted Coconut, and our Classic Mochi Donut are all great choices. We also have Cream-Filled Brioche Donuts, and right now, one of our most loved flavors is the Strawberry Matcha. It has matcha cream inside and a strawberry glaze made with our house-made jam.

AM: Ice cream has always been on the menu but what led to the launch of Honey's?

HK: One night after dinner with my husband and some close friends, we ended the evening with ice cream. I had this simple but powerful realization. All of life’s happiest moments seem to include ice cream. That feeling really stuck with me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and that’s where the idea for Honey’s came from. I wanted to create ice cream that felt personal, made from scratch, and full of heart, just like how we approach donuts.

AM: What should we know about the ice cream selection that is available at Honey's?

HK: We currently offer a rotating menu of 12 small-batch flavors made right in the store. All the flavors are handcrafted using high-quality ingredients, and we aim for a mix of comforting classics and playful new ideas that feel joyful and a little nostalgic.

AM: What was the thought process behind the flavors that you offer?

HK: A lot of it comes from my personal memories and also the creative process I developed through working on seasonal donuts at Bear Donut. I’m always thinking about what makes a dessert feel comforting, emotional, or slightly unexpected. I like flavors that feel familiar but make you pause in a good way.

AM: Going forward, will your ice cream have seasonal flavors?

HK: Absolutely. Just like with our donuts, seasonal storytelling is a big part of what we do. I love coming up with flavors that reflect the time of year, whether that’s cozy and spiced for fall, or bright and fruity for summer.

AM: When someone comes in to order ice cream, what toppings are an option?

HK: We keep it fun but simple. Our current favorite toppings are cute gummies - butterflies, hearts, gummy bears, cherries. We also offer house-made strawberry jam, hazelnut crunch sauce, classic chocolate hot fudge, and caramel fudge. Other topping options include walnuts, brownie pieces, chocolate chip cookies, Oreo cookies, and marshmallows.

AM: As we continue to navigate the Summer and heatwave, what are 3 ice creams that we should have in mind to try?

HK: Definitely try the Blue Mangoberry - it’s a strawberry mango sorbet with a coconut blue matcha drizzle, inspired by the playful colors of Superman ice cream. Then there’s Raspberry Fudge, which has this really rich berry flavor with a bold swirl of dark chocolate. And I love the Apricot Wine Sorbet - it’s bright, a little tart, and super refreshing on a hot day.

IG @honeys.nyc

@beardonut

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Honey's at Bear Donut

We enjoyed having ice cream at Honey's and we're still dreaming about their newest flavor, Honey Vanilla Matcha Affogato which you need to swing by and have while it is available. We were also fans of their Vanilla Masala Chai and an incredible Raspberry Fudge! We also loved the Fig Ricotta and think that it's worth coming by to see whatever flavors Honey Kim has cooking up!

Read the JUL ISSUE #115 of Athleisure Mag and see HONEY’S @ Bear Donut in mag.

9LIST

Read the MAR ISSUE #75 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST in mag.

READY ON SET WITH FABIANA PASCALI

If you haven't watched FX's American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, now may be the time as there are a number of our favorite actors in this Ryan Murphy series. We caught up with Fabiana Pascali who plays the role of the Female Senior Designer to the house of Versace. Fabiana had some common ground with the great designer, shares how she prepared for her role, let's us in on her favorite spots as well as what it's like to be Creative Director of her line, Thinking Panties! Continue reading to find out about this dynamic show and make sure to catch up on this series as we find ourselves talking about it to a number of our friends who are looking for a new show to embrace.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How did you get into acting and what was the moment that took place that made you realize it was for you?

FABIANA PASCALI: As a child, I was quite the creative extrovert. It was always easy for me to get into character and give my family fictional performances. During middle school and high school, I was always involved in theatre. It was only after quitting dentistry school at 19 that I got offered to audition in an all-girls music group. I made the cut and joined the group! It was then I knew showbiz would be part of my life.

AM: Tell us about shows/movies that you have been in?

FP: Most of my career is based in hosting and commercial work, with shows airing at to local, national, and international community. I’ve had the pleasure of more than twenty years doing
what I love.

AM: You are currently in American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace where you play the role of “Female Senior Designer” that worked with Gianni in the House of Versace, and who was also one of the right hands of Donatella! How did this part get offered to you, what was the process of getting this part and how did you prepare for this role?

FP: My theatrical agent, Jaime Ferrar, called saying he had a high-profile audition I should read for. Casting was looking someone to play an Italian designer. That’s all we knew. I had no idea what show it was or what it was about, let alone who were the actors involved! Looking back, the secrecy surrounding the audition was tight!

Preparing for the role was a bit different, given I knew little about the character or what I was reading for. I rehearsed, read the description of the character, and dressed by my gut instinct.

AM: In playing this character, you already had connections to the subject matter as you are a Creative Director of Thinking Panties, you're half Italian and your husband came from the same province as Gianni - how did that assist you in taking on this character?

FP: As you said there a number of commonalities with my character. When I booked the job and learned more about the character, I laughed because who they were describing was me! Speaking Italian didn’t hurt either! It gave me an insight into how to best approach the character. It’s much easier to bring a character to life when you can get inside their head!

AM: Tell us what it was like to film this TV show especially working beside Penelope Cruz, Ricky Martin and Edgar Ramirez?

FP: It was a phenomenal experience to be part of a series of this magnitude. What can I say?! Seeing my name on the call sheet along these giants makes one feel accomplished!

Most of my scenes were alongside Penelope [Cruz], who plays the role of ‘Donatella Versace’, which was a bit humbling. When Ricky [Martin] was playing ‘Antonio D’Amico’ (lover to Gianni Versace), he completely blew me away! All of them are completely cool-headed professionals that were an absolute pleasure to work with and learn from!

AM: Were you a fan of Versace prior to coming into this program and how was it to be immersed within this opulent world?

FP: Absolutely! I have always been a huge fan of Versace!

AM: The world of Versace is a different lifestyle than most everyone experiences.

FP: The fashion world is worlds away from everyday life. The life of Versace, the man and the brand, is an experience onto itself. You’re taking a world that’s in the limelight yet veiled from
prying eyes, then translating that into a show. In a way, it’s imitation of Versace. Talk about poetic.

AM: Tell us about Thinking Panties!

FP: I founded Thinking Panties in 2011 as a line of underwear with a fun concept for the creative type who wants to personalize everything. All you need is a marker and your imagination! The
idea was to give someone’s inner artist a chance to flourish and even be a fun gift to give someone.

You can find get a pair direct from www.thinkingpanties.com

AM: Where are your favorite spots to work out, grab a drink and eat and to shop in LA?

FP: I enjoy hiking in the mountains, with some go-to trails in the Arroyo Seco between LA and Pasadena, as well as those in Hollywood and Griffith Park. I love the feeling of releasing endorphins, breathing fresh air, and enjoying the warmth of sunrays touching my skin.

When it comes to the restaurant experience, I’m pretty biased (lol). Of course, I prefer Italian and Argentinean foods. If you’re going out for Italian, try Bestia in the Arts District, Terroni in Downtown, Eatalian in Culver City. For Argentinean, Carlitos Gardel near West Hollywood, Malbec and 1810 Argentinean in Pasadena.

To grab a drink I head over to visit my cousin Guillermo Zapata, owner of SUR Restaurant & Lounge, in West Hollywood.

Where do I shop? Everywhere, really! I always find great pieces of wardrobe at Anthropologie and Free People. There are a bunch of different boutiques and department stores around town I frequent. There are just too many to list!

AM: What is your personal style when you're running around LA, heading out to brunch and when you're heading out to meet your agent/go on a casting/do a table read?

FP: I love wearing a good pair of jeans and nice t-shirts/blouse with a leather jacket on top. Depending on the occasion, I’ll throw on boots, pumps, or Converse. I keep my color palette fairly neutral.

AM: What projects do you have coming up that you can tell us about?

FP: I’m currently focused on new design projects. A big part of me is always coming up with ideas in my design studio and seeing where it naturally progresses. There’s some hearsay on going back to TV hosting, which I would love to do.

AM: What ways do you give back to the community or provide philanthropy?

FP: For every pair of Thinking Panties purchased, I give another pair to women in need. Much like Tom’s shoes, who matches a pair for every pair purchased. I provide these to local shelters,
women’s organizations, and missions.

I also donate monthly to institutions such as St. Judes Children’s Hospital, Food for the Poor, Wounded Warriors, and Operation Smile.

I believe just a little help given with love can make a difference. If we all did a little, it would add up to a big change!

Read more from the Feb Issue and see Ready On Set with Fabiana Pascali in mag.