iCream •1537 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago •Open every day, Sunday-Thursday 1-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays 1 p.m. to Midnight. •(773) 342-2834 •www.icreamcafe.com
The first things you notice when entering iCream are the large standing mixers hooked up to metal tubes. Through the Plexiglas my sons watched as they periodically billowed white smoke."Wait a minute, Mom. Is this an ice cream shop or a science experiment?” Well, it’s a little bit of both.
Instead of a list of flavor choices, customers read instructions for concocting their personal ice cream creations. Choose your base (including no-fat yogurt, soy milk, sorbets and regular ice cream). Next pick a flavor and mix-in. Food colorings and assorted toppings add variety.
Then watch as employees mix liquids, inject flavors and food colorings and put the whole thing in the mixer. After a shot of liquid nitrogen (hence the billowing smoke), you have instant ice cream.
We sampled lime ice cream with gummy bears and strawberry with gumballs. The ice cream was rich and creamy, sweet without being sickening.
Seating is limited. The wait can creep up, but the root beer ice cream with sprinkles is worth some patience.
