When my son's girlfriend offered to take my wife and I out for PRE-dinner dessert, I was eager to check out this new "hot spot" they had discovered. Especially since they had already visited this place four times in the same calendar week, besides, it HAD to be good if they were content with introducing me to it BEFORE I tore into my slow-cooking pot of chili.
The first thing I noticed upon entry was a gentleman (the co-owner who introduced himself as Doc West [cool name]) who opened the door for our party of four, welcoming us with a huge smile. He expressed a genuine appreciation for our visit, making me feel like one of the five golden ticket winners upon their initial entrance to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.
Chocolate Factory is definitely a good comparison because the brightness in colors all revolving around the pink base felt like I had exited through a portal and into another world. Bright neon signs, oversized games like Connect Four and Jenga, throwback penny candy, beautifully colorful and tantalizing portraits, and wonderful music. Inside, he introduced me to Page Bridges, the other owner whose smile was even larger. These two, in conjunction with their happy employees, all gave me wonderful vibes before I'd even seen the product.
(If the name of the establishment sounds familiar, they were formerly located at Eastland Mall - but the show must, and does, go on...)
I looked over the menu. Decisions, decisions. Sundaes and ice cream. Should I get one, two, or THREE scoops? Nope. Root Beer floats! *Hums silently and happily like Homer Simpson* Cobbler! Donuts! Hotdogs! Oreo Shack! Slushies! I immediately understood why my son and his girlfriend made so many visits.
Everyone in our party ordered something different, but since I didn't try anyone else's items, it wouldn't be fair to comment on them. Suffice it to say that all were completely satisfied with their selections (my apologies for not remembering to at least photograph any of them).
I decided to keep it simple and order a vanilla shake. If you know me, I stick with the basics (like sausage and pepperoni at pizzerias) to establish a good benchmark for comparison to other businesses of a similar nature. When I told him my favorite flavors, he suggested that I try mixing it with a banana to enhance the experience without deviating from the desire to taste the root flavor. I was eager to order a large shake but hadn't forgotten that my pot of chili was waiting patiently for me at home.
Let me tell you folks, that shake was incredible! The ice cream was deep and rich, while the banana accentuated it perfectly. Part of me regretted not including another flavor, while the rest of me was happy to have stayed in my lane, as this combination reminded me of the shake/malt shop I grew up around in the 70s/80s in East Chicago. The banana was blended perfectly, minimizing the chunks that can often be a bit of a nuisance when sipping through a straw. Then again, the straw was larger in diameter than the traditional ones, so that would not have been a problem anyway.
But it wouldn't have mattered because as the sign said on their wall, "Ice Cream Solves Everything!"
And that aftertaste, dude.
Suffice it to say I'm hooked and will most definitely be returning.
Make it your business to get out there to try this place out and, as always, tell 'em Kenny sent ya!
Curse me for only ordering a medium... read more