Ice Cream Crazy

Finally, writing again. This year has been wild, fast and happily doesn’t plan on slowing down.  

While I have been busy away with being “busy”, I redeveloped a love for ice cream. Maybe it’s just the current trend these days in DC, but I rediscovered a love for this sweet treat in ways I never really thought I would enjoy it.

I only liked two kinds of ice cream as a kid: Mint chocolate chip and chocolate chip cookie dough. No questions asked and nothing more. Now, I am willing to discover anything that will satisfy my taste buds at the time. I even wanted ice cream so much that I made my own Dairy Queen Blizzard this summer.

In any case, here are some of my selections to share in case you haven’t tried or want to get on the ice cream bandwagon too. It’s a good time to hop on.

Jennis Splendid Ice Cream

This über popular brand is finally in DC, and it's definitely a good way to finish a nice lunch on 14^th Street. For six dollars, I was able to enjoy three mini scoops of their creations. Mine:

Peanut Butter J

Sweet Cream

Whisky J

J  = Winner

Where: 1925 14^th Street NW, Washington DC 20009

Reese’s Blizzard From Scratch

I experienced one of those intense cravings for a specific kind of ice cream one day, and the victim was a Dairy Queen Blizzard. Not just any Dairy Queen Blizzard, a Reese’s Cup Dairy Queen Blizzard. So, I got Pinterest-happy and searched anything I could find to remake this treat because let’s be honest, I wasn’t going to drive DC traffic to find a Dairy Queen.

Result: It was 100% accurate and if you want to save it for later, I highly recommend using a Yeti. It made me think of my summers when I couldn’t finish my Blizzards and would stick them in the freezer for later. Highly recommend.

Gelato

I had my fair share of gelato this year. So much it was almost every weekend I was indulging in some sort of gelato, either at home or outside.

Where did I go?

1. Union Market – Java Cookies ‘N Cream. It was more like a cookie rolled in cream rather than the other way around. J

Where: 1309 5^th Street NE, Washington, DC 2002

2. Europe – Will save my results for this later.

3. Weekly Stash – I have to admit, Breyers does a pretty good job with their Gelato Indulgences. I was a little skeptical about them at first, but they are pretty tasty. My regulars were Tiramisu and Raspberry Cheesecake.

4. Café Sorriso – I had the Stracciatella and all I have to say is J

Where: 2311 Calvert Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Ice Cream Jubilee

Now, this was interesting. I really had no idea what I was getting into. I thought it would be similar to Jennis Ice Cream, but what I ordered ended up being definitely worth your six dollars: Two oversized scoops of ice cream on top of a cone that could barely keep up with the weight.

Pistachio Cannoli J

Salted Caramel

Where: 1407 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

Halo Top

All I have to say is that this product is one word: Addicting. As much as I wanted to try their super-popular flavor, Birthday Cake, I opted for Red Velvet Cake instead. I practically felt I was savoring the perfect definition of what a cake and ice cream would be if they were blended together in machine mixer. I might go back to my Breyers on occasion, but I definitely know where to find this delicacy again just in case I cannot live without it.

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Weekend in Wilmington

A couple of friends of mine traveled to Wilmington back in October to visit a friend of ours who just had a baby. I had little knowledge of Wilmington other than the hit 1990’s TV show, “Dawson’s Creek” until we actually visited there.

Was I pleasantly surprised. It is a blossoming tourist town and actively growing by the minute. You can see new restaurant to shop open back to back as if it is a growth spurt that does not plan on slowing. It is certainly a culinary getaway if you are looking for some tasty seafood, beer, and ice cream.

We did not do much for being there less than 36 hours, but what we did get to do was pretty delectable. Unfortunately, I do not have all the details ( I was the driver and not the writer), but here is a sampling of my memory:

Ruben at Copper Penny: All I have to say is that this Ruben is close but not quite to the king of all Rubens in the south, the Cavalier in Lynchburg, VA. It was very tasty though and left me full for the afternoon.

Beer at Waterline Brewing Company: We were in the middle of their Oktoberfest and it was filled with fun, music and of course, beer. I had their Rye IPA which was quite nice.

Cocktails at The Blind Elephant: Historically known to be a 1920’s prohibition bar, that took its name to another direction other than the typical names at the time such as Blind Tiger for instance. They sold the Moscow Mules on Tap and I was definitely craving one in the heat. Overall, really refreshing and enjoyed the active atmosphere for a Saturday night in a small, tourist town.

Oysters at Dock Street Oyster Bar: Best meal all weekend. I loved these Oysters which where basically local, straight off the shore. They had a wide range of vinegars so I kept mine simple with red wine vinegar and horseradish. The corn was also a great compliment to completely finish my lunch.

Ice Cream at Kilwin’s Chocolates: This was some of the best American ice cream I have tasted in a while. I went with the fan favorite, peanut butter cup despite my yearning for mint chocolate chip. The verdict? I could have had a full pint of it, but happy that I stuck with my small scoop. Otherwise I would have definitely spoiled my dinner.

                                              

Overall, you must travel to Wilmington. It is perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer trip up or down the southeast coast.

The Social Menu: Weekly Trending Foods in Social Media

I felt this week was filled with cold, sweet treats, especially now summer has officially begun. Below is proof of just that.

Need some extra training on your icing skills? Try this easy tutorial on how to pipe roses.

Yes, it is officially Dairy Queen season. Serious Eats takes a closer look at one of Dairy Queen’s finest nostalgic locations.

Honeycomb Soft Serve at Honeymee. The picture says it all.

Frozen Piña Colada. This thing is not your average can from the freezer. I have a feeling I will be trying this before the summer ends.