What better place to inspire my first review than my own backyard? One of the best parts - maybe even the best part? - of living in the Inman Square area is easy access to Christina's Ice Cream, a consistent Best of Boston award-winner that never disappoints. This bustling, family-owned operation is known for its exceptional and uniquely-flavored ice cream. Anyone can attest to the unique flavors - take one look at any day's offerings, and you will see ice-cream parlor standards listed next to flavors both unusual (banana cinnamon, rosewater) and wholly unknown (khulfi, adzuki bean). The consistency is also worth noting. The ice cream is just creamy enough - it's smooth, but not too dense, and slowly melts into a pleasing soup that is not too watery or too thick. The flavor is always strong, but not overpowering, and it balances perfectly with the cream. Lastly, you can expect a light full feeling - you'll be satiated after two scoops, but not in a bloated, heavy or regretful way. This is especially worth noting for those of us who like to indulge on a regular basis...
My favorite flavors are:
- Gina's Mocha Explosion - mocha ice cream with chocolate shavings, oreo crumbs, and fudge swirls
- Mexican Chocolate - chocolate mousse ice cream with a healthy dose of cinnamon and a hint of pepper
- Orange Chocolate - chocolate mousse ice cream with a hint of orange flavor
- Coffee Oreo - intense coffee-flavored ice cream with oreo chunks and crumbs
- Irish Cream - Bailey's in solid form, but not too heady
- Green Tea - refreshing, flavorful, and bright green!
- Chai Spice - the tea in solid form; the best way I have ever tasted cardamom
I usually opt for two scoops of Gina's Mocha Explosion. The ice cream is so jam-packed with goodies and flavor that it does not need to be augmented by toppings or sauces. However, my favorite order is the small sundae (2 scoops), with one scoop each of coffee oreo and Irish cream. Two ladlefuls of thick hot fudge and a dollop of whipped-in-front-of-you cream are included, as is one topping. I keep with Christina's tradition and get crushed peanut butter cups. A-MA-zing.
Of course, this local legend is always packed with eager customers. Seating is limited to a few small church pews, so the chances of enjoying your dessert in-house are slim in the summer months. In which case, feel free to get it to go and stop by my place to say hello. Don't forget to bring me some Gina's!
Christina's Homemade Ice Cream, 1255 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139.
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