It’s beginning to feel like summer. Rising temperatures, graduations, the countdown if you are still in one, early sunrise, lingering evenings, and for me, the old pull for the ritual of ice cream. I have seen several posts in the past week that revolve around this topic. Good humor truck, Boston frosty truck, the Boston Scooper Bowl (how did I miss that ?) and my eyes light up. A friend whose son wanted old fashioned ice cream sandwiches for his birthday dinner instead of cake. What is it with me and ice cream? Last Sunday Andrew and I took a drive over to one of his childhood spots for a cone and sitting at the picnic bench watching the kids swing on the tire swing. I am still figuring out how to import my favorite flavor discovered on Lake Winnipesaukee from Portsmouth, NH down to Boston for a regular pick up. (Annabelle’s Mint Summer Night’s Dream, in case you were wondering!) We always go to our favorite spot in NJ for a peach sundae once they are in season. I have my favorite spot in Annapolis that I am loyal to. My friends indulge me with a walk or drive downtown for a signature “walkie” scoop and a half. Down to the water and back savoring every spoonful. (There is some serious competition close by and I have given it a try…but it isn’t the same). I walk down the aisle at the grocery store and contemplate. I know the produce aisle is colorful, but something about the containers and the glass and the choice between simple Breyer’s Chocolate and Vanilla or totally decadent Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked or somewhere in between mint chocolate chip or Haagen Dazs banana chocolate brownie. I gave the Halo Top another chance last week, but somehow it feels like cheating. It’s good, but it’s only ice cream-like substance.
I have really grown up and spent my adult life working in the food business, so perhaps I take this a bit seriously. My first job was at an ice cream parlor scooping and concocting sundaes. Those were the days….
I am still on a mission for the best ice cream in Boston. I have one favorite so far, and have some excursions planned this summer thanks to recommendations from lifelong New Englanders and always open to more. And let’s face it, there is nothing better than a Hood soft serve at Fenway with mini m&m’s around the 6th inning. Who needs hot dogs?
So maybe it’s just my summer thing. Okay, I think it’s beyond the single season. And yet this time of year, it is about slowing down, savoring a stroll, meeting up with friends, popping into a local storefront. Or perhaps memories of Dixie cups and wooden spoons on the beach, the trip to Lee’s up on York Rd when small batch was few and far between. And Oreo’s in ice cream an ingenious concoction.
I scream you scream. (feel free to comment with your favorite flavor or shop. Both are a bonus).
xo, b
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