Monday, July 20, 2009

Leola Freeze & Frizz

Shop Name: Freeze & Frizz

Location: Old Philadelphia Pike, Leola

Boo's Rating: 4 screams

I went to the Freeze & Frizz last summer and thought it was pretty great. Today I went there again with my fabulous friend Christine. She got a twist with rainbow sprinkles. I got a "thick" chocolate shake. She seemed to really enjoy her ice cream cone and I was very happy with my shake. It was thick and creamy and plenty chocolate-y. And the coolest part? The straws are extra-wide and colorful. Fun! There is something about a roadside ice cream/fast food stand that sucks me in. There's definitely a certain nostalgia to them. When I was in high school, I spent a summer working at a roadside "Clam Shack." I forget the actual name of the establishment, maybe it was the Clam Box? I dunno. Anyway, the point is, I spent an entire summer sweating my butt off, serving ice cream, burgers, fried fish and slushies through a tiny little window. It was a dive right across the street from a local amusement park and at the end of the summer, I threw out all my work clothes because no amount of washing could get the stink of fried fish out of the fabric. Even now, 15 years later, I can't eat a fried clam without remembering that summer job. When I first started there, I was the ice cream girl. We had a few soft serve flavors and plenty of toppings including dip. You know- the melted chocolate that hardens when you dip the ice cream into it? Freeze & Frizz has it, too, which is another reason why I like it! Anyway, at the Clam Shack, there were three different "dip" flavors- chocolate, strawberry and caramel. For some reason, the only one that really worked was the chocolate. Something about the consistency of the other two never really worked. I can't remember how many times I'd dip a cone filled with ice cream into that strawberry dip and pull out an empty cone. No joke! Then I'd have to rush to scoop out the ice cream before it melted into the dip. It was always a mess! Hysterical!

Anyway, even without all the nostalgia, I love the Freeze & Frizz because they know how to make a good chocolate shake and that's what matters!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Olde Greenfield Inn

Shop Name: Olde Greenfield Inn

Location: Greenfield Rd, Lancaster

Boo's Rating: 4 1/2 Screams

I have been going to the Olde Greenfield nearly every Wednesday for a while now and I think it's time to comment on it. Although I have never ordered ice cream at the Olde Greenfield, I have sampled many other tasty treats. My love affair with this lovely establishment began when I won a gift certificate at my company's annual Christmas party. I went with my good friend Amy to use it and we had a fabulous time. Turns out, Amy also performs at the Olde Greenfield. She's a fabulous jazz singer. Every Wednesday at the Greenfield, they have a series called "The Lovely Ladies of Jazz" and Amy performs as part of that series. Her trio varies slightly from week to week, but no matter whom she's hired to back her up, she always sounds fabulous. I'll admit, I'm a fan.

The menu is varied and Wednesday night also happens to be their "Wild Wednesday" special night, meaning the specials menu is chock full of wild game options. For example, this past Wednesday I sampled a bit of Kangaroo soup. No joke. It wasn't the most amazing thing I've ever tasted, but I have to admit, I sampled it largely so that I could say I'd eaten kangaroo in my life! Normally I stick with one of their seafood options. The salmon is often on special and it never disappoints. Recently I tried the diver scallops and it was one of the most delicious meals I've had in a long time. Certainly the most delicious I've had in Lancaster.

The prices are in line with the quality of food, but it's not the kind of place I can afford to eat at too frequently. (Let's just say I'd love to get another of those gift certificates!) Fortunately, they have a large selection of appetizers between $10 and $15 that are practically meals themselves. The crab dip is definitely one to try, as is the cheese platter (which is big enough for 3 people). As for desserts, I mentioned I've never ordered ice cream, but I have tried their creme brulee (delicious) and their flourless chocolate cake (outstanding).

The bottom line with the Olde Greenfield is that the whole package is one worth trying- the menu and the music will not disappoint. 4 1/2 screams is about as good as it gets where I'm concerned!