IScream brings eye-catching desserts to Easton Avenue
Despite the freezing temperatures, cold dessert is one thing that never seems to go out of style. The cold often deters people from going out, but New Brunswick is giving them a reason to brave the elements. Lately, Rutgers has been rapidly implanting new restaurants and coffee joints on every corner, making Easton Avenue a hot spot for late-night cravings. The latest scoop is that New Brunswick opened up a traditional Thai rolled ice cream shop – also known as stir-fried ice cream – to Easton Avenue. Popping up only a few storefronts down from Thomas Sweets Ice Cream, the new dessert shop, IScream – Roll Up, is here to bring on a delicious, unique twist to Easton Avenue.
Thai rolled ice cream is a global phenomenon and is seen all throughout social media feeds. This ice cream is the classic treat presented in a different way. The workers take the ice cream in liquid form, get specific mixtures and then add some optional flavoring. Then, it is poured over a freezing, stainless steel plate and made fresh right in front of you. Similar to crepes except cold, it's the freshest form of ice cream possible because it’s all made to order in front of you.
With competitor Thomas Sweets Ice Cream right around the corner, original homemade ice cream is hard to beat, as it has the freshest ingredients and chocolate made daily. However, after stepping into IScream, it’s clear that both places are unique to themselves and each offer something different to the Rutgers community.
The atmosphere is different than what you would expect. What used to be Hokkaido Bubble Tea remains the same small storefront, yet looks completely different due to new construction. As you walk in, the store is still remodeling with new paint fixtures and decor. The small shop features a few stools but is mostly a free-standing area where you order and take your food to go. Service is extremely welcoming, courteous and quick. It is unique to see your ice cream being made right in front of you and seems to catch everyone’s eye as they watch. Quite a treat, this rolled ice cream is something that everyone is going to enjoy and keep coming back for.
One thing to note is the smaller menu and its smaller selections of ice cream. Since it is new to Easton Avenue, it currently only offers seven flavor options. These include cookies and cream (Oreos), fruit bomb (strawberries and bananas), chocolate-covered strawberries (strawberries and chocolate shell), go bananas (bananas and peanut butter), s'mores (graham crackers, marshmallow and chocolate), mint to be (Keebler grasshopper mint cookies and chocolate chips) and piña colada (pineapple and coconut flakes). These ice cream flavors all offer a different taste for everyone. Every flavor starts off cold, but then melts in your mouth. With a set price at $7, it is reasonable compared to rolled ice cream elsewhere. The portions are shareable if you are looking for a quick dessert after dinner.
As this new ice cream spot starts becoming more well known, it remains to be seen whether this is just another trend or if it is here to stay. Popular rolled ice cream shops such as 10BelowIceCream offer waffles, multiple flavors and toppings, so IScream should work on having more variety soon. Accounting for future advertising and promotion, it seems the small storefront will be bringing in lots of customers and revenue as it settles into its new home in the Rutgers community.
