Leyla “Lo” Safai puts the riot grrrl into the ice cream trrruck. The former raver had a vision for an alternative, DIY ice cream mobile while at a desert rave amid brightly lit glow sticks. Perhaps that explains the sweetheart pink color and the unicorn crest that adorn the converted mail truck. HeartsChallenger’s stock of treats is equally eclectic, moving way beyond American standards like ice cream drumsticks and popsicles with international offerings like Japanese mochi and Armenian teddy bear bars. But don’t let such whimsy fool you. As the MySpace page proclaims: “Please do not get confused. HeartsChallenger = HC = Hard Core.” Mixtapes, graffiti prints, T-shirts and even records by the associated band HeartsRevolution are also available onboard the truck. There are two trucks in operation (in Los Angeles and New York City), and you can find them at skate parks, art shows, clubs and, of course, raves. More info at www.heartschallenger.com.
Rachel Levin is a contributing editor for Metromix Los Angeles.
