New Zealand Ice Cream

Hey Folks, I want you to know that this is a VERY special blog. We have our very first review from our own overseas correspondent, Mr. Brance Cornelius (more on him later). We hope to be receiving ice cream reviews from the far east over the next couple of months as he tours with the Broadway Asia production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella" starring Lea Salonga. Check out the show here: http://www.cinderellaonstage.com/

And now for the review:

Shop Name: New Zealand Ice Cream

Location: Xi'an, China (just across from the Bell Tower)

Corn's Rating: 3 1/2 screams

Well, ni hao ice cream fans, it's the long awaited ice cream taste testing in Xi'an, China, at a New Zealand ice cream store. Bare with me. My Australian friend, and castmate, was eager to share his NZIC knowledge with us and I was happy to tag along for the experience.
Okay, now for the experience. The staff of about 3 college aged kids were extremely friendly and very eager to help us. Although only one spoke English there was plenty of laughing and giggling. After all it's ice cream, a funny subject. After perusing the selection, I chose the popular flavor: Hokey Pokey. Okay, it wasn't popular but I like to think that ice cream named after a widely successful dance craze, often performed on roller skates, has some popular appeal. And I like to pick my ice cream based on funny names and color, (even though my all time favorite is simply, Vanilla) I digress. I ordered 2 scoops (for 28 RMB or yuan, about 4 US dollars-a little pricey for ice cream in China, but since it's "New Zealand Ice Cream" I like to think that it was imported!) That's 2 scoops of Hokey Pokey in a cone, but alas, they were out of cones. Hmmm? Must have been a big cone day here in Xi'an. I settled for a cup and enjoyed the 'cream (if ya catch my slang). It was great, much like a butterscotch with not too much butter and just enough scotch! Would I go back? YES! Would I try a new flavor? YES! Would I like to pay less? HECK YES!
Quickly after the group received their orders the staff wanted to pose for pictures with us crazy Americans and token Australian. Being the actors we are, we were happy to oblige; "anything for the press" is what I say!
Hopefully in the upcoming weeks I will be able to report on the numerous ice cream desserts found in the freezer of side street vendors. We are currently living in a tourist section of Xi'an (not just for foreigners, but Chinese tourist as well) and the choices are plentiful and a bit odd... Pea Ice Cream or Corn Ice Cream? Until then...

Boo here: I'd like to thank Corn for his eloquent ice cream review. I think he's got quite a knack for it, and I'm sure you're looking forward to his next review as eagerly as I am. Visit again soon, everyone!