Visit to The Icecreamist
Icecreamist: (adjective if using to describe) 1. A person or persons addicted to or obsessed with ice cream. ‘An extreme ice cream fanatic.’
2. A person or persons subscribing to ‘Icecreamism’ as an ideology.Icecreamism: (Noun) 1. A term used to define people suffering from an addiction to or obsession with ice cream. 2. A philosophical or political ideology arising from the 21st century meltdown.
There were a few places on the internet that I noticed a mention about the not so avarage ice cream installation, The Icecreamist. They created their lounge at Selfriges, Bond Street London and is open 10 September – 1 November 2009. I had to see what it is all about.
Who are The Icreamists?
(This is a bit from the menu)
The Icecreamists are a troupe of provocateurs and iconoclasts with a background in staging dramatic high-profile events. Whilst engaged on these clandestine and legally dubious pursuits, they would on occasion be discovered by law enforcement officers, enjoying illicit chills with a tub of freshly-made artisans gelato. One day they read that ice cream could be subversive and was being used to undermine the government of Belarus, a state in the former Soviet Union.
Organised ice cream eating as political protest had begun and The Icecreamists were born; sub-zero missionaries destined to convert a cold, cruel unforgiving world to the life-enhancing gospel of freshly-made artisans gelato. Today, the founders are still hopelessly foul-mouthed, anti-establishment and politically incorrect, but they have purged themselves of their old law-breaking ways and dedicated their lives to pioneering a new ideology, what they describe as ‘Icecreamism.’
The Icecreamists says it’s a bit like socialism, only funnier, more addictive and tastes better. Now aficionados can enjoy Icecreamism anywhere they fancy. Against the bar, against the wall or against the law.
The Experience
The Icecreamist set up a restuarant/ ice cream boutique in Selfriges, Bond Street London with the theme “God Save the Cream”. Live performances take place during the day on a little stage with The Icecreamist “God Save the Cream” version of the Union Jack. I had good timing with 3 Italian opera songs while indulging in the naughty ice cream delight.
What to order!?
Disregarding an ice cream only menu, it consists of sweet and savoury ice creams which include Selfridges Ice Cream Sandwich with cream of Cucumber, Gordon’s Glory, a 21st century reimagining of the Knickerbocker Glory and ‘The Sex Pistol’, a Natural Stimulant Ice Cream served as a shot in a pink water pistol! Also Sundae Lunch Sorbet: World’s first frozen three course Sundae Lunch Sorbet. A 3 course menu consisting Green Pea Sorbet, Beef Bouillon Sorbet with a hint of Horseradish and Yorkshire Pudding Crisp, Blackberry & Apple Ice cream with a crumble topping. Finished with a frozen shot of coffee. I am not so sure about this one, but it is going for £16.99.
The average size is 180ml at £3.99 for the sorbet and £4.99 for ice cream. That can be topped up with a selection of hot sauces: Hot Chocolate, Hot Fudge & Hot Espresso at an extra £1.99. For the over 18′s there are the more daring Alcoholic Ice Cream Cocktails.
It is pretty much up to choices choices… and between me and my friend we came up with the following selection:
- Chocland Yard Dark: Chocolate Ice Cream blended using Willy Harcourt Couze’s famous 72% Dark chocolate ‘Rio Caribe Superior’. Strong, earthy chocolate flavours with fruity notes. Dark, decadent and naughty. The ultimate chocolate hit. “Really gorgeous, less sweet smooth dark chocolate taste – just the way I like it!”
- The Custardy Suite: Traditional Italian Crema Ice Cream. Rich, eggy and delicious. A unique Italian alternative to vanilla. “A bit to much on the sweet side, but with a smooth creamy texture. Perhaps there was more interesting options on the menu…”
- Absinthe Ice Cream: I do not have a description for this one, but it had a nice wilder taste to it… or was that my imagination. This flavour is also used in ‘The Infamous Sex Pistol Ice Cream’. “Interesting almost spicy but pleasant taste… I do not know otherwise how to describe it.”
If you find yourself in the neighborhood and in the mood for an experience with a twist, make sure to pop in before 1 November 2009. You can also visit their blog.
