If you don't think ice cream constitutes a meal, well ... you're wrong. Even though I don't have a huge sweet tooth, there are times when I just can't resist ice cream. In Columbus, we're lucky to have Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, the labor of love from Jeni Britton Bauer, who abruptly quit studying art at Ohio State to make ice cream. She started with a small location in the North Market and now has about 10 shops, a presence in grocery stores across the country, and a book of recipes (Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home) now in its 8th printing. I've never tried making any of the ice cream because ... why would I? I can just walk down the street and buy some (warning: it ain't cheap, but that's probably a good thing because then I don't eat it every. single. day).
Aaron and I went to Jeni's one Sunday in March when the weather gods had smiled on us with sunshine and warm temperatures. We each got a Trio, you know, for the sake of research. I had Salty Caramel (Jeni's signature flavor), Pistachio & Honey and Double Toasted Coconut. Aaron had Dark Chocolate, Black Coffee and Whiskey & Pecans.
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| Mine is on the left, Aaron's on the right. |
Jeni's also makes sundaes and ice cream sandwiches, and they use local ingredients as much as possible. Some of the ice cream flavors are pretty daring: Queen City Cayenne (yes, it's spicy and yummy), Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, and Juniper & Lemon Curd are just a few. My summertime go-to combination is Cherry Lambic Sorbet and Lemon & Blueberries Frozen Yogurt. So refreshing! I'm also a fan of the Mango Lassi Frozen Yogurt and the Brown Butter Almond Brittle. Dammit, now I want some ice cream! Jeni's also recently started selling this:
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| Yes, please. |
The Short North location always has a line out the door on sunny days (and sometimes even on un-sunny days) but if you're an ice cream fan, it's worth the wait!
Next up: Piece of Cake!
Spidey and the Gila
