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Ok, I admit it, I might have a love affair with ice cream. Like sometimes, I’ll cancel plans simply because I find it way more enjoyable to sit at home watching Gary Vee entrepreneur’s YouTube videos & indulging in one of these hipster ice cream shop’s take home pint than to have to engage in small talks with a boring romantic prospect in the millennial age where dating is doomed anyways. At least ice cream will always be there for you. And trust me, it stays here…in your stomach making it impossible to have a 6 pack. There’s only 2 flavors I always get whenever I stopped a Molly Moon’s, either salted caramel or Yeti, or sometimes I’ll do a split scoop of both if I’m being indecisive. Their honey lavender is a super popular choice. There’s usually one or two vegan options too. This new location is right across from Bellevue Park facing the kid’s section. It’s a very small location, there’s zero seating. Wonderful for a quick grab & go type of deal if you’re walking your dog, but good luck finding a bench outside when winter rolls around to consume your ice cream. Whatever, I’m happy there’s a closer location to me. Drove by it when it first opened and the line was longer than my list of qualities I want in a person, there was just no way I was going to get in before closing time, it was literally a block long. Came by on a Sunday night, there’s was still a line, but wasn’t bad at all. They have somebody standing outside with samples to make the process go faster. Expect this place to be busy regardless of what season it is since it’s a staple to Seattle’s destination. Tell me about your experience if you’ve been here or is going to after reading this review:)

Gannon’s Isle – Menu with Prices – 4800 McDonald Rd #6, Syracuse

Gannon’s sets the bar high for a premium ice cream experience. Unlike many other local ice cream shops, they make their own ice cream and it’s noticeable. On recent unseasonably warm September evening we made our way for an “ice cream dinner” visit. The toddler was happy with his chocolate soft serve (although most of it didn’t make it into his mouth), I ordered a dish of pumpkin Oreo and spouse stuck with his usual hard chocolate ice cream in a chocolate dipped waffle cone. The pumpkin Oreo was delicious. I thought it might be overly complex from a flavor standpoint but I was wrong, balanced flavors all the way…I’m ready for fall, bring on the pumpkin. The staff are always nice, usually college or high school students. This location doesn’t offer any tables or seating, although there are several large rocks that you can sit on or consume in your car like many. The line was long and the wait was longer, it looked like they were short staffed for the crowd. One recommendation: some of the hard ice cream flavor selection names don’t readily describe the ice cream. It would be nice if they had written descriptions because many patrons ask the staff what’s in such and such flavor before ordering, myself included. This likely stalls the line. Prices are a little higher than your average stand. Gannon’s product is consistently excellent, that’s why we return again and again.

Ampersand Ice Cream – Menu with Prices – 7010 N Marks Ave, Fresno

Glad to see a popular local business pop up closer to me so I can enjoy quality homemade ice cream from time to time. They have an impressive selection of flavors for the more sophisticated to even the pickier palates to choose from. They cycle through seasonal flavors through out the year as well if you ‘re the type who likes trying something new. My favorite flavor is by far the Honeycomb. It’s certainly a treat and I love the crispy chunks of actual honeycomb that’s embedded inside. As a local business I appreciate that they utilize other local businesses in their ice cream like Lanna Coffee. My boyfriend is a bit disappointed that they don’t offer Lanna Coffee at this location because he enjoys the Lanna Coffee ice cream float he gets at the original Ampersand location. We were told that they wouldn’t be offering tit at this location because they’re next to a Starbucks. My only gripe with this location is that their menu is all the way in the back behind the register with tiny letters and all of the flavors are on small wooden engraved signs. If it’s busy and you have to wait in line, you’ll have no idea what their flavors are until you get up to the very front. The overall set up isn’t ideal in my opinion. Especially when it gets crowded inside and you fight the long line behind you so you can get out with your ice cream. Their ice cream case doesn’t list names so if you’re not familiar with their flavors you’ll have to inquire about all of them. They will let you sample all of the flavors you want, but if you come when it’s busy you’ll probably feel rushed. They also make their own waffle cones, but I always get my ice cream in a cup.

Bangkok Square @North Gainesville – Menu with Prices – 8181 NW 39th Ln #100, NW 39th Ave, Gainesville

So last week we went to a restaurant in the same strip mall as Bangkok Square, and had noticed that it was there. We had looked at the menu and decided that we had to try it sometime. Well, that sometime happened a week later. We got in around seven and had a table instantly. It is summer, so things aren’t so busy with students and the like. The restaurant is more open than most Thai restaurants that I have experienced, and more light comes in from the windows so that you can see, which is nice. There is also a patio on the South side that should be nice in the late Fall and Winter months, particularly since it is not overlooking 39th Avenue. I ordered the fresh rolls as an appetizer, along with the Tom Yum soup. The rolls were good, but a bit on the small side. The soup was quite good, though. I am a total sucker for Tom Yum soup. For my main course I ordered the green curry “Thai Hot”. The curry was good, don’t get me wrong, but either my concept of what “Thai Hot” should be is completely skewed, or I received the American version of the concept, because frankly it barely registered. I would call it a medium spice level, a bit above jalapeno, but not at the level of habanero. Still tasty, mind you… just not all that spicy. For a local Thai restaurant, I am happy that they have opened here, as it gives my more options closer to home, and I don’t have to drive to the other side of Gainesville. I will be returning at some point to try something different in the next couple of months, I am sure.

Sequoia Sandwich Company Menu with Prices 4521 Buena Vista Rd, Bakersfield

Same menu, same ingredients – can’t go wrong. My usual is the roast turkey breast. About identical to the other locations, though a little dry. Asked for extra mayo in a cup and that made all the difference – then it became the sandwich I’ve eaten for years. We like this location and glad to have a Sequoia a bit closer to us, but the dry sandwich is just one little thing to nitpick about. Another is how freakin’ cold the place is. Bakersfield is a hot place but I could store a stash of ice cream anywhere in this restaurant. It is FREEZING COLD in there. I mean… a hot summer day and my wife packed jackets for her and my boy knowing how cold it gets in this restaurant. Hey, Sequoia, can you adjust that thermostat to some something other than Arctic Blast? Yeah, this is not major… but I don’t like sitting in ice anymore than molten rock and lava. There’s got to be a happy medium. And we’re finding that the cookies tend to be a bit overcooked. Compare, say, a Rainbow Sugar at Buena Vista to any other location; a bit more crumbly and hard-edged. Downtown location is near-perfect every time (outta be after all these years) – Ming Avenue is almost as good. Rosedale is mostly on, though they stumbled many times on more than just cookies… but Buena Vista needs to cook ’em a few minutes less. Sequoia cookies traditionally haven’t been hard around the edge… always soft and almost doughy. Yeah, another thing you may say is nitpicking. But Sequoia Sandwich as a brand has, in general, been excellent overall. I enjoy the Buena Vista location and don’t want to see these little things add up to make it the one failing Sequoia. The ratings for this location are a bit lower than the others and probably justifiably so. We’ll keep going back, though, because we love the product and know they’re new at this location and still learning and looking to improve. They have big shoes to fill but I have faith they’ll get there… they don’t have very far to go…

Strange Love Coffee – Menu with Prices – 627 Queen St W, Toronto

This location is in a tattoo and body piercing shop. As I age and get closer to a midlife crisis, and as I continue to visit this cafe, I get closer and closer to getting a random ear piercing. Usually the Americanos are delicious but sometimes they aren’t. Depends who’s working. Sometimes I walk by before submitting my Ritual order. If it’s a barista I know pulls good shots I’ll submit it otherwise I’ll go to Early Bird since they’re consistently good. I think one guy there may need more training but most other baristas are good. They have 2 different espresso beans going at a time: regular and adventurous. They’re both the same price. I like to live life on the wild side (as you can tell by my contemplating an ear piercing) so I usually go with the adventurous option. Many staff members are friendly. Most are knowledgeable about coffee and are happy to talk about the bags of beans for sale. If you buy a bag of beans you get a free drip coffee which is a fun deal. I was happy with a bag I bought. They also accept the Bunz currency BTZ if that’s your thing. One of my usual spots, I just wish the quality was more consistent.

Gannons Isle Ice Cream – Menu with Prices – 1525 Valley Dr, Syracuse

I really love this ice cream; this specific location not so much. I arrived an hour before closing on a Friday night and was greeted two short lines which is a pleasant surprise. As we were waiting (which took very long for the amount of employees) more customers formed a longer line and an employee openers the third window and rudely said “can you form a third line so you’re not in the parking lot please” as if the 3rd window was opened the entire time. Finally it was my turn and after ordering the same employee actually flicked my ice cream through the window which topped off my already off putting experience. As I enjoyed my ice cream I listened to a podcast in my car and by the end of the ice cream I was stuck in my spot because the parking lot is so small and disorganized. Long story short; great ice cream, very disorganized location. Save your time and patience and go to a different one.

Aburi Modern Japanese – Menu with Prices – 1730 E Palomar St, Chula Vista

Comparing this to the location in North Park, the North Park location is definitely better in service and food quality. I am giving this place 3 stars due to the server for being nice to us and that this location is closer to my home. Now, there are other Japanese restaurants in our neighborhood but I will say that Aburi offers more variety with their raw options. I’m not at all into cooked rolls or different variations of the California roll. My husband and I ordered the Chef James Special which is a 17 piece assortment of sashimi. We’ve ordered this at the North Park location, so thinking that it would be the same, we ordered it at the Chula Vista branch. When the plate arrived, it appeared the same as what we had before. However, the only difference was that some of the pieces tasted SLIGHTLY fishy. Now…sashimi should never have even a slight hint of fish smell or taste. I was nervous but I’m happy to report that we did not get sick. I think that I may have given this place one more start had the fish been EXTREMELY fresh. It also carried a slight dish washing soap flavor. May have been from the serving platter. Next, we requested for sparkling water and the waiter offered Pellegrino or sparkling water on tap. We chose the latter. Usually if restaurants offer tap sparkling water, it’s free. Not here. It’s $2.50 a glass. I might as well have ordered the Pellegrino or even a regular soda. Lastly, the ambiance. This is much bigger than the North Park location and technically since this one is a “lounge” and they have a full bar that could be the reason why. The space is great! But the wierdness kicked in when I saw the faux fur chair backs. I’ve seen this style at Born and Raised in downtown, but they definitely purchased the faux fur at a good place. Here at Aburi Lounge, the fur looks super worn like it was used as a rug first then hung over the back of the chair. Overall, I would probably come here for happy hour instead of regular dining and stick to the North Park location if I had to choose between the two.

Fit Flavors – Menu with Prices – 11615 Olive Blvd, St. Louis

Debi Sugarman to Fit-Flavors by Jillian 3 mins · Love…love…love these foods!!!!! All my meals and most snacks (love those Chickies!!)…are Fit Flavors foods!!! So glad the Chickies snacks are still on the menu and hope they continue as a regular item!!!!!! LOVE the Smoke Chicken and Butternut Mash dish this season! I really hope they keep this longer…at least thru the winter season! Seems to fly off the shelves!!!! Speaking of winter…I hope the chicken with wild rice soup returns this winter!! At least the great veggie soup is always around!! That’s even so yummy cold! I recently discovered the changed container with the vented top. Fantastic!!! Now.. without having to first open the lid on the corner to vent..the food stays so much more moist. I really noticed that with the turkey burger. The turkey burger was already wonderful…yet now it’s even better!!!! And the Sloppy Joe….I’m in heaven!!!! Every time I eat a Fit-Flavors meal or snacks…I thank Jillian for having her vision!!!! I hope she knows what a difference she has made in the nutrition industry! Finding this Company has been one of the best parts about moving to St Louis last year and living Very close to the Creve Coeur location. This Company has the best staff!! They go out of their way to make sure everyone has the best experience in their stores!!! This Company has changed my life regarding nutrition! Huge part of the change is also due to Allison as well!!! Plus…my family knows that any gifts are more than welcomed with Fit-Flavors gift cards..which they have so graciously given me!!!!!!!

Afters Ice Cream – Menu with Prices – 918 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine

Having tried Afters Ice Cream at their other Irvine location (Diamond Jamboree plaza), I had an idea of what to expect. When I arrived on a Saturday night, the line stretched out to the door. Fortunately the line moved along. Pricing was as follows: 1 scoop $4.50 2 scoops $6.50 Milky Bun $6.50 (includes 1 free topping and 1 scoop of ice cream) The staff was extremely friendly and let me try as many samples as I wanted to. I sampled cookie monster (similar to cookies and cream), banana walnut, and triple c. I had previously tried Jasmine milk tea and Vietnamese coffee at the other Irvine location and those flavors were really good. However this time around I went with a scoop of the triple c (chocolate, caramel, and chocolate fudge). I enjoyed the creaminess of the ice cream that Afters is known for as well as the delicious combination of chocolate, caramel, and fudge mixed in. Overall service was friendly and helpful. The ice cream is definitely one of the better ones out there. When I last visited their other Afters location in Irvine, pricing was 10% cheaper, which I thought was already high to begin with. Now that it’s gone up by 10% I’m not too thrilled. Given the size of a single scoop and the price point, it’s over priced and it’s for that reason this place is a 3 star affair as far as I’m concerned.

Blue Bowl Superfoods – Menu with Prices – 4150 McGowen St Unit #6, Long Beach

Overall, I like this Blue Bowl so much more than the one in Orange. Before I paid this location a visit, I had gone to the Blue Bowl in Orange back in 2018. My experience there was mediocre at best. In short, the parking was terrible and the wait was far too long. I ordered the Lazy Blue because it was my first time & I was overwhelmed by the options. That was such a bad idea. The Lazy Blue had so much going on that I could barely taste the bases. I really didn’t see the appeal. Now that Blue Bowl is in Long Beach, it’s so much closer to home. It’s also conveniently placed in LBX so there’s plenty of parking and I’ve never had any issue finding a space. The only downside is that they close at 7pm and I only wish they closed at 8 or 9. Because it’s closer to where I live, I’m able to experiment with the bases & toppings more. I finally found a combo that I really like and it has changed the açaí bowl game!!! I completely get it now. As for the wait, I’ve only had one instance so far where I had to wait in an unreasonable line and that was during a Saturday morning right at opening hour so I take full accountability for that lol. All other times, I’ve been able to walk up to the bar without questioning why I would spend a chunk of my free time to order a bowl of fruit lmao. …I’m slightly ashamed to admit that I come here once a week now LOL. Most times it’s because my friends want to try it but I’m also not fighting them on the idea. I’m just not over how good it tastes. I think if you find the right bowl to suit your tastebuds, Blue Bowl can go beyond than just fulfilling your Instagram aesthetics. It’s actually pretty damn good. Make no mistake about coming here at peak hours though. My ideal bowl: Bases – maqui yogurt (if you like tart), the coconut base (a must), açaí, & sometimes the blue chia pudding. Granola – pumpkin flax all the way Toppings – banana, strawberries, blueberries, almond butter, regular coconut shreds, agave honey You know I’m obsessed when I can remember my bowl off the top of my head. That’s a sign for you to give this a try!

Iceberg Rolls – Menu with Prices – 5946 W 16th Ave, Hialeah

I?ve been coming here since the first day they opened.. this place is a gem! The place is always super clean .. the customer service is like no other . They always welcome you with a smile and make sure you are happy with you selection and toppings .. the best part is the ice cream .. it?s so fresh and creamy .. I?ve tried other ice cream rolls in Miami and the taste doesn?t compare to iceberg. Great establishment

La Michoacana – Menu with Prices – 4515 E Chapman Ave, Orange

This place definitely brings me back to Mexico! I’ve been to a handful of diff Michoacana’s (they may be named the same, but they are different owners) & this one by far has been the best one. Also, there is a diff one closer to home, but I’ll definitely drive a few more miles for this specific location. I ordered a double scoop of ice cream and dorinachos (Doritos, nacho cheese, queso fresco, jalapeño, corn, and lime). I don’t think they have it on their menu, but this is exactly what I purchase in Mexico and they gladly made it for me. Also price is fair! Hands up for Stephanie for making the best dorinachos and for her patience!