An Ice Cream Day in Cold Stone Creamery
Finally I tried the Cold Stone Creamery! It was a popular topic in my working place for some time now. Even though I like ice cream, I just did not have the time.
One of our group mates is also an ice cream lover. She is about to return her home country, and she asked whether we knew of any special ice cream store that we can visit before she left. The final decision to visit Cold Stone Creamery was reached in only 5 minutes, and the directions were ready in the next two.
When we arrived, we could smell the vanilla flavor even from the outside. I believe we were not the only ones who could feel it. Several bees were also buzzing at the outside!
My first impression was, `OK... What is THAT special about this place that everybody is talking about it?'
Inside, like all ice cream shops, was a counter that shows different flavors and toppings. `Maybe the waffle cones are their specialty?' I thought. `They sure look delicious!`. Then I saw how they prepared the orders.
Two workers behind the counter took a big chunk of ice cream, put it on the counter, and started working on it - as if they are working on a dough. First the toppings, then some caramel and chocolate was added to the ice cream mixture.
Hence I took the camera, and asked them if I could take some pictures. My first snapshots were horrible. I couldn't adjust the lights, it was hard to see what's behind the counter, etc. But then, something great happened: They let me walk behind the counter and take the pictures right where the action is!
After several snapshots (1, 2), I realized that I was holding them back, and that I couldn't capture each move. The video option came handy at this moment.
The ice creams were delicious. After our orders were served, came SILENCE! (As seen on the photo!)
Mango, banana, peanut butter and raspberry flavors tasted great. I am not a big fan of mint, so I skipped it, but my friend told that it was also good.
As a coffee lover, I chose the "Coffee Lover" mix. Coffee flavor was delicious. The crunchy texture was not only at the top, but also 'in' the ice cream - which was great.
My special thanks go to Rachel and Nate, for being helpful and patient when I kept bugging them with my camera.
We met three nice ladies in the creamery. Two sisters and their mother. We had a little chat. When I told them that even though it has been almost three years now that I have been living in this city, it was the first time for me to have an ice cream in Cold Stone Creamery. They told me that this place was not one to miss, and by the time we were leaving, I agreed.
In the evening, when I was talking to my brother on the phone, I asked if he heard about Cold Stone Creamery. He asked "Isn't it the place where they mix topping with the ice cream on the counter". Eventually, it looks like, I was the last person in town, if not the country, to know what Cold Stone Creamery was about!
I had cold stone about 10 yrs ago in CA and now they are finally in my area, they are great.