In a tiny plaza across from a Whaley´s Market sits the Marble Slab Creamery closest to the Planet offices, and with one taste of its wares you´ll understand why that makes us so happy. Although it´s a franchise, the Creamery doesn´t rely on some far off factory to generate the goods. Rather, the ice cream is made right in the store and after a two-step freezing process, the smooth, delicious results are ready for serving. Minus all the frills, the ice cream alone proves to be utterly yummy, with standard flavors such as vanilla bean and butter pecan, and specialty flavors like lemon custard and birthday cake. For those of us who want a little flair, the Creamery offers various candies, nuts, fruits and/or cookies (¨mixins¨) that can be added. The mixins are folded into the ice cream on a frozen marble slab, which keeps the ice cream from melting during the mixing process and allows it to reach ¨the most desirable texture and consistency.¨ If you like waffle cones, the aroma hanging in the air will entice you to choose from a variety of flavors. However, we feel compelled to warn you — the portions are huge, so if you´re watching your weight, we suggest a single scoop in a cup.
Marble Slab Creamery, 500 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-251-3022, and locations throughout the Bay area. www.marbleslab.com.
This article appears in Sep 22-28, 2004.