Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream
I think I might finally be able to kick my Dynamo Donuts habit, but I’m not so sure that it’ll lead to me loosing any weight. Late last night I walked by the new Humphry Slocombe ice cream shop, and saw they were in heavy construction mode. I gingerly poked my head in, and was told to come back tomorrow, that they’d be open, “for reals.” Sure enough, this afternoon they were open for business, and offering special “pay what you like” opening prices on their adult ice cream flavors.
Behind the counter, Jake Godby and Sean Vahey were friendly and enthusiastic about their ice cream flavors. I asked for a recommendation, and Sean began steadily working his wasy through the entire lineup, one sample at a time. He smiled broadly as he explained each flavor, and his favorite thing about it:”It’s spicy!” “It’s boozy!” “It’s Blue Bottle!”
On a side note: I’ve mentioned my love of great glassware for beers in bars, but here they take an even better, green-tinged take on serving utensils: they use metal tasting spoons for samples – that’s class – and biodegradable spoons and cups for full servings.
Some of my favorites from today’s lineup:
Balsamic Carmel: My fav of the day. The balsamic added a savory hint that really showed off an amazing depth of flavor.
Thai Chili Lime: Just a first thing you taste is lime, then coconut cream, then a hint of spice in the finish. Maintains the balance of great Thai food for dessert.
Guinness Gingerbread: ’nuff said.
Secret Breakfast: The secret is bourbon and cornflakes. Here, the first (and last) thing you taste is bourbon. Just like Mom used to serve for breakfast when you were a kid.
Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee: Taste just like the real thing.
I ordered a combo scoop of the Balsamic Carmel and Secret Breakfast, and poked around the small new boutique with my camera. The space is a modern version of a classic ice cram parlor – down to the line of vinyl red stools, looking out the window onto Harrison street. The cookies were good too.
The ice cream is rich, and balances the sweet and savory just right for these creative flavor combinations. Jakes dedication to his craft is evident in the results, and on his skin.
I can’t wait for them to start offering their Foie gras ice cream sandwiches. I know I’ll be back to look for it, especially since I expect to be in a fair amount of trouble for not having my girlfriend with me on this first visit.
Tags: Humphry Slocombe, Ice Cream, mission
December 30th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Secret Breakfast is friggin’ funny! If you ever head north into Seattle, try Empire Ice Cream. Similar vibe to the flavor lineup, if perhaps not as “adult.”
December 30th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Jake
From me to you…….Congratulations. I know the long and tedious struggle you went through to get where you are right now. From all of the above article, which by the way was very great, I know that you are going to be a success. I wish your mom and I were there with you right now to share this moment with you.
Love to you.
Annette (Zanesville OH)
I’ll bet all of your old employers would like samples for their customers.
December 31st, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Jake
Congratulations! The opening of your shop proves that dreams do come true!! I am really looking forward to my next trip to SF. It would be nice to hang out there for awhile and try a new flavor each day!!
Best Wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Betty (Atlantic, PA)
January 2nd, 2009 at 6:34 am
Jake, I’m sure that you will be a big success in your current endeavor. Lori and I tried to take her sister, Alice to your shop last week, but you weren’t there at the time. Lori and Alice are your aunt Betty’s sisters. We’ll be there to see you before long.
Jim (Pleasanton)
January 5th, 2009 at 7:36 am
Please tell me they don’t have all the flavors found on their Web site available all the time. Regardless, I like this “pay what you want” idea and recommend they keep it all the time. I intend to pay for just samples of every flavor, which should put me at the double-scoop level.
Um, btw, the whole “your shop” comments? Confusion?
January 13th, 2009 at 7:21 am
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January 16th, 2009 at 8:43 am
[...] was from Humphry Slocombe, serving my favorite flavor: Balsamic Carmel. And my second favorite: Secret Breakfast. [...]
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January 25th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Rad how your photo is on their site. I vote whatever night calls for the NGBR (Thanks again!!!!!!), we incorporate some HSIC.
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