By TRILBY BERESFORD | Reporter
Photos by CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA
Fresh off its Aug. 18 grand opening, the unassuming Humphry Slocombe ice cream establishment in Venice was eager to share its unique flavors.
“Secret Breakfast is the most popular,” said manager Jason Sims-Prewitt, matter-of-factly. “It’s Bourbon ice cream with Cornflakes,” he added, gradually breaking into a full on laugh that indicated we are in a new era of “adult ice cream.”
As soon as the clock signaled lunchtime, we wasted no time in sampling Secret Breakfast. Not only was it absolutely delicious in the “this-shouldn’t-be-so-good” type of way, but also the texture suggested that crunchy ingredients should really be more of a thing in standard ice cream.
Where art thou pretzels? Granola? Honeycomb? Fruit Loops? Graham Crackers? Our minds pondered every plausible option until a spoonful of Matchadoodle was offered, snapping us back to the task at hand.
For those who are confused, Matchadoodle is matcha (green tea) ice cream with housemade Snickerdoodle cookies (the name refers to a German pastry, not a Snickers bar). That is a strange combination even for the daring gourmet, but the result was pleasingly more-ish.
Of course, we didn’t stop there. The sampling of Jesus Juice was a highlight, not only because it prompted a discussion on what Jesus Juice is actually referencing (a Google search after the fact summoned this definition: “Jesus Juice is the wine used for Holy Communion”), but for the curious combination of red wine and coca cola sorbet with cinnamon. This creative (and risky?) concoction made me happy, and I usually take great lengths to avoid sorbet.
Blueberry Boy Bait proved to be yet another goodie; blueberry ice cream with brown sugar streusel. Continuing the “blue” streak was Bluebottle Vietnamese Coffee, which, despite its normality compared to the host of adventurous flavors, indicated a definite reason to return.
Among the most “normal” flavors were French Vanilla, Peanut Butter Fudge Ripple and Malted Milk Chocolate, all satisfying—but not as unique as the more creative and, let’s face it, downright weird pairings.
When visiting Humphry Slocombe, one mustn’t miss the walls of Bacon Peanut Brittle, Hot Fudge and Bourbon Caramel, as they signal perfect gifts for those recovering from diets or dental surgery.
Suddenly, a collection of jars on the counter caught my eye. Two contained wrapped items; single-serving sweet treats, and the third was—is that what I think it is?—yes, Humphry Slocombe-themed condoms.
To top off our dining experience, we consumed a Tin Roof Sundae: vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, frosted peanuts and Maldon Sea Salt. Swell.
For those who enjoy eating sliced ice cream, Humphry Slocombe serves a variety of cakes, including Peppered Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie and Complete Breakfast Ice Cream Cake, the latter combining layers of Secret Breakfast with Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee ice cream.
DIY Ice Cream Party Kits are also available. One of them is called “Make Your Office Party Suck Less,” which I appreciate.
The tagline of Humphry Slocombe is “Ice Cream with Attitude,” and it certainly rings true.
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