This past Saturday’s summer weather had me and my family searching for the best ice cream as we strolled the streets in Palmer Square, Princeton in search of something to cool ourselves off.
Halo Pub, The Bent Spoon, Thomas Sweet Cream, and Purple Cow are some of the best-known places for ice cream in Princeton, according to what I have heard from some locals. According to Yelp, all of these are at least 4.5 stars out of 5.
I’ve always been tempted to go into Halo Pub and I probably should because every time I have passed because there is always a gigantic line in front. However, I wasn’t in the mood for standing in a line, especially with a toddler in tow.
Before I even took my phone out to search for directions to The Bent Spoon, which is also on my “must try” list, my three-year-old pulled my hand, pointing at a sign saying with the most delighted expression “Look mama, ice-cream!”
I looked up to catch the name. Kilwins, since 1947, it said. If it’s been around for over half a century, must be good, right?
Then, I froze in my spot when I saw the chocolate pouring onto the parchment paper-lined counter. The fudge was being prepared by the front window, in full display to passers-by, seducing potential customers to come in and experience heaven on earth. How could I resist?
Welcoming me with its sweet, rich chocolate aroma, the little shop was filled with homemade chocolates, cookies, cakes. It was the finest confectionery around. I reminded myself that although the aroma was making my olfactory giddy, I was here for the ice cream.
I walked to the back of the little shop, being greeted with cheerful faces. My decisiveness betrayed me when I found myself in front of a large, colorful, tempting variety of ice-creams and sorbets.
I took a few minutes to narrow down my order, and though my intention was to buy only a scoop, I walked out with 6: chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, peppermint and chocolate chip, berry pie, and superman (this was an interesting rainbow selection).
Yikes, $30 total. That’s $5 a scoop. That’s steep, so I had my hopes high. “Enjoy, and have a nice day!”
I left the shop and sat on the bench in front, ready to experience the best ice cream of my life. I took a small bite of the vanilla, closing my eyes to savor it. Meh. Very regular. Chocolate was a disappointment. Nothing super about superman either. Peppermint and chocolate chip was pretty standard, and I’ve had several varieties since it’s my favorite type.
Then, I took a bite of the strawberry. Wow. That melting-on-my-tongue creamy strawberry-burst took me back to 5th grade math class where A’s on quizzes were rewarded with Chups lollipops. (Hey Boomers and Generation X, remember those?)
However, the berry pie took the cake, or rather pie. It brought back memories of the best pie in the world, my grandma’s. The mixed strawberries, blackberries and raspberries were just so damn good with the cream, and the chunks of the most perfect pie crust were complimentary.
I finished the berry pie and then decided to share, like a good mom, the rest with my kids. Move on over peppermint and chocolate chip, hello berry pie, my new favorite exclusively from Kilwins. That one I’ll be back for. Even if it’s $5 a scoop. Unless The Bent Spoon or Halo Pub convince me otherwise.
