Clearly, last week’s heat wave was karmic retribution for complaining about Mr. Bag Lady’s wildly excessive air conditioner use.
For that, I . . . sorry, Bag Lady can’t apologize. I don’t like it too hot or too cold. So Goldilocks.
Metro Creative Services
But you know, ice cream sounds just right.
This week, let’s hop in our climate-controlled cars — Bag Lady is controlling her own side, thank you — hit the open road and check out some funky, say-what? Maine-made ice cream creations. Shout-out to VisitMaine.com for the suggestions!
• Lobster ice cream, Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium, Bar Harbor
Let’s face it: This is the one ice cream that every visitor you host this summer will want to head back to Topeka, San Antonio or Seattle telling all of their friends that they tried. A testimonial from Lisa S., on their site: “A delicious creamy blend of sweet vanilla with salty frozen chunks of lobster. Delish!”
Pose with the shop’s giant fiberglass lobster for Instagram. Visit Acadia National Park. Make it a delicious day.
• Alewife Fish Eye Pudding ice cream, Round Top Ice Cream, Damariscotta
This 90-year-old stand has a very low online profile — a Facebook page created in October 2010 has yet to have a single post, but customers have offered a slew of reviews, photos and “best ice cream evers.” Due to that, it’s unclear if Alewife Fish Eye Pudding ice cream is something the shop only rolls out for the annual Alewife Festival, this year tentatively postponed until fall, or if it’s something offered at the stand all summer long. No matter.
Go. Ask what’s in Alewife Fish Eye Pudding ice cream. Delight in those details. Order something else delectable.
• Butterbeer ice cream, Mount Desert Island Ice Cream, Bar Harbor, Portland, Washington, D.C. and Matsumoto, Japan
Harry Potter fans, look no further than the ice cream shop Men’s Journal named one of the best in the U.S.! (Sentences you never thought you’d type . . .) Handmade in batches of five gallons or less, a user-friendly website lists the flavors found at each location with the caveat that they often sell out.
After something less Hogwarts, more Maine? Blueberry Buttermilk sounds like it should hit the spot.
In Japan, you’ll find Sake Lees Chocolate, Meyer Lemon Curd and Thai Tea. You know, should your ice cream adventuring takes you overseas.
• Where does Bag Lady even start?, Rococo Ice Cream Shop, regular stand in Kennebunkport, test kitchen/shop in Wells
Cantaloupe. Banana red hot. Blueberry Chipotle. Goat Cheese Blackberry Chambord. Sweet Avocado Cayenne. Red Beets and Tarragon with Orange Zest.
First, these are not even the not-yet-available-to-the-public, still-experimenting test kitchen flavors.
Second, they ship 26 flavors nationwide for $14.99 a pint with free ground shipping in the Northeast. Delight your visitors, or heck, delight yourself, and then ship it to your (or their) door later this year for an edible trip down memory lane.
Cruising Route 1, enjoying a scoop of Blueberry Chipotle, nestled into a heated seat.
Ahh, this is the life.
Bag Lady’s true identity is protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who love Purina Frosty Paws peanut butter ice cream) and the customer service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach her at baglady@sunjournal.com.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
