Odd Ice Creams

In Sunday's New York Times magazine section there was an interesting article about Humphrey Slocombe, a way out ice cream parlor that creates unusual flavors like Olive Oil, Salt and Pepper and Blue Bottle Vietnamese - a reference to that country's coffee. It seems to be going like gangbusters ,despite the bizarre flavors. If Humphreys Slocombe becomes more popular it may be influential here in the New York area or even become a chain .

The place was the brainchild of Jake Godby, former pastry chef at San Fran''s Coi restaurant. The creamery's name come from the two characters Mr. Humprheys and Mrs Slocumbe from the British classic and cult farce Are You Being Served? (Godby is kind of mocking chef Alice Waters for naming her restaurant after the french film Chez Panisse) The best way to describe Godby's work is comparing him to Tim Burton. Just as Burton's wacky and weird eye make for interesting movies Godby's odd tastes make for unusual and memorable ice creams. He's not afraid of putting anything in his flavors. , salty or sweet, lard or caramel. It's all there.

Some of the local reviews are interesting. the most favorite and popular is the Blue Bottle Vietnamese. There is also Jesus juice which is red wine and Coke mixed. (this may make for an interesting Slushie) along with peanut butter bacon. There is also a brown butter that has real bits of butter in it. I don't know how I'd deal with some of the flavors. I'm, strictly old school when It comes to ice cream (when I do eat it) although a beet based ice cream sounds intriguing. There's also Secret Breakfast which is bourbon and cornflake mix that I wouldn't mind sampling. (although it sound s like a meal at the Sheen household)

If you want some bizarre coolness this summer, and you're in San Francisco . head over to Humphrey Slocumbe. here you can experience a traditional summer treat with some new twists.