We had the pleasure of hangin’ with an undercover operative from
Food & Wine magazine last weekend when she was in Cleveland assaying the local food scene. (Look for a full report in Side Dish, on June 20.)
Among other tasty tidbits, the editor filled me in on
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, a Columbus-based biz that specializes in handmade, small-batch ice creams, seasonally flavored – sometimes wildly -- with locally grown ingredients, including cucumbers, strawberries, and squash. “She does a fantastic job!” gushed my new pal about owner Jeni Britton. “And I’m not even sure she realizes what a gem she has.”
Naturally, when I got home, I headed straight for the website. A quick, but profoundly tempting scan revealed specialty flavors like Salty Caramel, Queen City Cayenne, Thai Chile, Dark Cocoa Gelato, and Black Coffee. New for spring: Mango Lassi, Crème de Violet, and Lavender with Wild Berries. Oh, mama!
Jeni’s currently has two locations, one in the Historic North Market, 59 Spruce St., 614.228.9960; and another in the Grandview neighborhood, at 1281 Grandview Ave.; 614.488.2680. Call for hours of operation.
Jeni’s also accepts Internet orders and will be debuting shortly in the Dean & DeLuca catalog. “My own little discovery,” the editor called it.
But probably not for long.
-- Elaine T. Cicora
