[psiga]

Cold Stone ice cream only has one good purpose in my world: Ice cream cakes.

Otherwise, it's not as good as most boutique creameries which make their ice cream in-house. Man, that reminds me that I should stop in at Hans' the next time I'm in SoCal. Best in OC for as long as they've been around.

It's interesting to be spoiled in a way that makes Dairy Queen, TCBY, and Cold Stone undesirable. Alas, the Vegas area's creameries are not as good. I've had to turn to gelato, sorbet, custard, and Dippin Dots. At least all of those options are available, though. ^_^
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[psiga]

Speaking of mango, the thread inspired me to hit up the best-rated cold treat shop in the Vegas area, and I picked up a mango custard with strawberries and nuts.



Luv-it Frozen Custard, in downtown Vegas, on Las Vegas Blvd itself. The place is ancient. Dating back to the 60s, and has barely changed a bit since then. Local reviews are all five star. Lovers of old Vegas speak of the place with reverence.

Indeed, it is the best custard that I've ever tasted. I'm not really a custard guy, but let's just say that the quality of it was not lost on me. Oh man, those nuts complemented the mango in ways that I did not expect.
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[psiga]

You know, I was going to mention gelato last night, but just ended on the custard note. My local Whole Foods has a really nice gelato bar, and I love to get their mango gelato. It's just right.

There's a gelato specialty place a mile or two away from my house, but honestly the only thing I've liked from them is their raspberry sorbet.

[psiga]

[psiga]

The icecream is really thick and stretchy. It's vaguely reminiscent of a dough or taffy. You choose a base flavor, request toppings, then the person takes a hearty gooey dollop of the stuff, stretches it out a bit on the stone counter, dumps the toppings in, and folds it into itself a few times.

I mean, you might as well go there once just to see the process. Share a cup with the ladyfriend if applicable.

It's different kind of icecream than the stuff you'd get from 31 Flavors, DQ, or TCBY. You can get more delicious icecreams at the same price or less from boutique creameries, but it's a step up from the other chain stores.

Also, I take a modicum of offense at the relation of Cold Stone to Whole Foods. I'd take some Whole Foods mango gelato over Cold Stone icecream any day.
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[psiga]

Holy shit.

Flair Stonetending.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Y8BWduFXWwA

The guys I saw in Irvine sure didn't do that.

If that was what Cold Stone was about, then I wouldn't diss 'em.
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[psiga]

Still kinda disagree, but then again I am a Wild Oats guy most of the time. (Recently purchased by... Whole Foods.)
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[psiga]

Hah! I hadn't read that.

Oh well. Maybe for the best? Who knows.
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[psiga]

I only tried Mochi once. Tasted like freezer. Horrible texture. Flavors didn't mesh. I guess I'd need to taste some good stuff from a great brand or shop.
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