Do you like chocolate? Do you like chocolate chips in your ice cream? How would you react if you found a piece of solid chocolate in your ice cream that easily covers the center of your palm?
Welcome to Graeter’s – an ice cream treasure in Cincinnati – and a worthy participant in my Chocolate and Wine Week.
Cincinnatians smile at the mere mention of Graeter’s. When out-of-town friends visit, a trip to this tasty treat is mandatory. Convention attendees discover our local jewel at Fountain Square as they stroll the streets of city center.
Graeter’s is about ice cream. Sure, they also produce candy and baked good, but their ice cream is truly one of our area’s golden nuggets.
Louis Graeter started the business in 1870. Because he died in a 1919 accident, Regina (his wife) is the one who led the business’s growth throughout the Cincinnati area. Today, the fourth generation of the family leads a distribution system reaching 4,000 grocery stores in 41 states.
Ingredients and technique are the secrets to producing this creamy, gastronomic delight. Graeter’s blend fresh cream and egg custard together in a chilled French Pot Process. Meanwhile, a large paddle prevents air from mixing into the delight in order to deliver a smooth, rich taste of creamy treasure. Oddly enough, each copper pot only produces 2 gallons of frozen bliss at a time.
Although Graeter’s offers many flavors (flavors here with pictures), including seasonal treats, the chip flavors are the favorites in our house because of the possibility of chunks of chocolate. My wife favors black raspberry chocolate chip. We share appreciation for peanut butter chocolate chip. For me, it’s mint chocolate chip – especially after eating Skyline Chili!
Oh my my – time is running out and I haven’t even mentioned the delicious sodas and scrumptious sundaes! (menu here for description of sundaes)
For those now desiring this rich, creamy taste of high-caloric Nirvana, go to their website, and locate the Find Graeter’s tool on the right, which only needs your zip code. Others can order online because they ship. To Sylvia in Paradise, tell your son and check your zip code for your time in the US.
For the record, it’s not cheap, but it is that the best and “the way ice cream is supposed to be.” Consider a pint for an evening of Graeter’s and a movie at home.
Enjoy the videos, and a few more resources below. Meanwhile, my mouth is watering, so I’m off to a Graeter’s location nearest to me. Meanwhile, fess up – who is going to look for it?
.
Resources
New York Times
Forbes
A Philadelphia blogger
The Ice Cream Informant
Chicago Bites
Graeter’s on The View
CBS Early Show
I don’t think my Ben & Jerry’s will match this. Sigh.
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Elyse,
I adore Ben & Jerry’s American Waffle Cone … but Graeter’s is a step up. Meanwhile, for your area, the word to remember is Safeway!
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I haven’t heard of Graeters but I love how this family business is in its 4th generation and how well they’re making their ice cream. There’s not too many businesses making ice cream out of such authentic ingredients any more. We need a Graeters in Sydney xx
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Spiced,
Here’s idea …. get a franchise in Sydney! 🙂 … OR … the next time you have a friend coming to the states, they need to get some, pack it in dry ice, and bring it to you!
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I know from reading you Frank, that you’re lactose intolerant. How are you able to digest it? I can’t go near ice cream, but if I could, I’m with you: mint chocolate chip was my favorite flavor, too. Oh, how I miss being able to eat it on a hot summer’s day! Graeter’s should pay you with free ice cream all summer for posting this wonderful endorsement.
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Lame,
Good memory, but the wonders of Lactaid works for me. Interesting, unlike other brands, the mint chocolate chip isn’t green! Bummer that your digestive system foils you on this one. 😦
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On the upside, at this stage in my middle age weight gain, it’s to my benefit to not be able to digest high caloric foods derived from dairy.
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except … if I remember … goat cheese.
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I haven’t eaten that all year, but yes, that’s one I can digest.
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Oh man I want some of that ice cream… specially the chocolate chip with the slabs in it…
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Bulldog,
The description of chocolate slabs is very true about the one on my plate. Sometimes one gets the lucky scoop … or I was the one scooping.
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I tried to decide on a favorite, and I couldn’t. I loved the look of the chocolate and cherry one, but then again, peanut butter and chocolate, and so on and so on… I am so impressed that Regina took command and made the business what it is today. That wasn’t an automatic response for a widow in those days! One way or another I would love to try this ice cream. All those chunks of chocolate would be just wonderful! 🙂
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Debra,
Well said about Regina … and to do that in those days, wow, what character!
Meanwhile, I’ve got believe Graeter’s is throughout LA, so check Ralph’s and Gelson’s. Odds are that won’t have the full line of flavors, but they will have enough! Let me know the result.
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Yum
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Unfettered,
I’ve got to believe that you have access to this delightful treat!
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I’ll have to investigate. Ice cream is my downfall.
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I see it is available in your state through Whole Foods, Adam’s, Stop & Shop, and others. So, treat yourself!
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Haaa well thanks for investigating.
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🙂 …. My evil side kicked in. 😉
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Oh my and I thought they serve chocolate this big in icecream only in heaven..yum damn those weighing machines..i am having one right now..this post is just too tempting
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Soma,
Given that this ice cream is rich, it will tip the weighing scales … but, this stuff is heavenly.
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When can I visit?
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TBM,
You can now add Cincinnati to your bucket list as Graeter’s goes great with Opening Day!
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Fantastic idea!
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I don’t have ice cream very often, Frank, but I think you’ve sold this one to me! 🙂
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Tom,
Awesome …. now we’ll just have to figure a way to get it to the UK.
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Thanks for thinking of me, Frank. I see I can most probably get it at Publix when I get back to Florida. In Johannesburg there was an Italian restaurant which made its own ice cream, and their double chocolate had huge chunks of chocolate too. Guess which was my favourite flavour. 😕
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Sylvia,
I’m not surprised that Publix will be this glorious treat treat for you on your next arrival. I hope Publix will have Chocolate Chocolate Chip for you!
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Frank,
I shouldn’t read a post like this one so early. I am the type to eat sweets in the morning. For some reason, I think ice cream goes perfectly well with my coffee.
Le Clown
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Brilliant …. they could change their flavor name to Le Clown’s Mocha Chip. I don’t see it in your city, so have a friend coming from the US pack it in dry ice for you.
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“For some reason”? Because it’s GOOD in coffee, that’s the reason. It’s the breakfast of champions. They sell Graeter ice cream here. I got you covered, bro.
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ohmygoodness! Wish I’d have known, when my husband was working in Kentucky, I’d have had him bring home a right sampling! “Strawberry Shortcake Sunday”?, no need to explore the menu any further! (I’m not a huge chocolate fan.) And hubby and daughter would load-up on mint chocolate chip! Yummy post Frank. Did you see, “Share your story” at their website? This looks to be share worthy to me. Incidentally, I love that classic Lucy clip, too.
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Victoria,
There’s unquestionably something on the menu for everyone … well, with a sweet tooth. I see that you can get the treat for hubby and daughter in Asheville! Meanwhile, I may send this post to them.
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Asheville? Really? I’m going back to their website, I missed that. Thanks Frank! Yes, I think you should. It’s a wonderful post, and I think they’d be thrilled.
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Enter your zip code, but change the miles radius to 50 (or whatever).
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Thanks, Frank! Checking right now. I see a trip to Asheville in my very near future. 😉
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Keep me posted!
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Frank, found it. And I will dedicate the next 10 pounds to you and Graeter’s!
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LOL!
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Hmmm, I wonder, do they ship to Greece too?!!!!
😆
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😥 …they don’t!
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Marina,
Hopefully this post meant the anticipation of your taste buds!
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😉
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I will be over straight away. I’m addicted to ice cream … eat it every day more or less. Have to check in New York if I can find it anywhere … also addicted to chocolate. Checked their website – not in New York … *crying.
Fantastic post, Frank … thanks for sharing – I can imaging that I lose out something here.
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Viveka,
Cheer up! No need to cry. I see that NYC has numerous opportunities for Graeters. I entered zipcode 10004 (lower Manhattan), but adjusted the radius to 10 miles … Enjoy!
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Fun to read, but I have to admit Graeter doesn’t feel like the right kind of ice cream for me. I do love ice cream, but I don’t like it with big chunks of chocolate chips or caramels or whatever can be put into ice cream. I like plain high quality ice cream. Nevertheless I enjoyed reading your post, Frank.
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Otto,
Never fear. Whereas I prefer their chip flavors, they had opportunities for your palate. Here are the flavors for your next trip to the US.
http://graeters.com/flavors.aspx
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Thanks! I guess I’ll have to look up Graeters anyway then… Next month.
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That a way … I hope the place you find it has enough of a selection to meet the needs of your taste buds.
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Woohoo! It’s Chocolate Coconut Almond Chocolate Chip for me, and right now!
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Good Morning Alex,
Yes …. a winner for you … but I don’t see availability in your city. But wait …. you’ll on the road soon … so there’s hope!
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MMMMM chocolate in ice cream. Don’t get much better than that.
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Hansi,
This ice cream is so good, who knows what effect it will have on that pencil of yours! Search for a location near you!
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Hooray, the long-awaited Graeter post!!! I remember the first time I tried that black raspberry chocolate chip. It was nirvana. The mint chocolate chip is nirvana for Mr. Weebles–so you and your wife fall along the same lines as we do. I love the videos, and they’re making me want to go out now to buy a few more pints. I’m fortunate to live in walking distance from one of the places that sells it.
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Weebs,
Ah ha … my memory wasn’t totally failing me as I recall both members of Team Weebles were impressed! Thanks for the promo …. and I hope at least one reader tries it!
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Will they let me lay on the floor and just pour the vat into my stupid face? Om nom nom… moar! (we like ice cream)
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Rants,
Great idea … thus you seem like a prime candidate to track down Graeter’s in your area. All you need is a zip code …. and once the results display, expand the search radius. Good luck on your mission. Carry on.
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I wished to taste 🙂 I love chocolate and ice cream… sounds so delicious… Thank you dear Frank, love, nia
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Nia,
It seems you would enjoy this treasure. And cheers to you one this day when your president is visiting ours.
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That is a very large chocolate chip!
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Debra,
The treasure each of us hope for in a serving.
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I’ll be in Fountain Square this June to order another scoop of black raspberry chocolate chip! So happy they haven’t “retired” the flavor like some manufacturers do. Graet stuff that Graeter’s when I’m in Cincinnati.
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Georgette,
YES!!!! Woo hoo … another person proclaiming Graeter’s greatness. BTW – I believe the black raspberry chocolate chip is there top seller. Meanwhile, my wife also enjoys the sundae combo of that ice cream topped with marshmallow creme. Let me know when you’re going to Graeter’s and I’ll try to come downtown to join you.
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Well now, maybe I’m gonna have to take a break from researching battleships and recovering lost dogs to do a little Internet searching! 😉
Never worked up a taste for mint in my ice cream, and no way these days I can do ice cream and chili. Nuclear-scale heartburn! But an intriguing concept as a meal in itself – not that I’d EVER do anything as unhealthy as wolf down a whole quart of ice cream! (Quickly hides the extra-large spoon… 😀 )
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John,
Cincinnati chili is a bit different, and the mint chocolate chip ice cream treat after the chili is a culinary match of utmost proportions! Meanwhile, I can’t imagine you eating ice cream directly from the container.
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You are killing me, just killing me. Gad, I think I would risk dairy for this.
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Val,
You are in luck because you have Kroger stores throughout the Dallas araea! BTW – which means that one Cincinnati-based company supporting the other.
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Hadn’t heard of Graeter’s ice cream – story sound like Blue Bell creamery in TX. A real fan of ice cream – I may give up other foods, but never ice cream!
Always prefer smaller local creameries! Glad this one’s doing so well.
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Mouse,
Given your location, check the Kroger stores near you for this outstanding treasure!
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(Hard to get past the Blue Bell)
Kroger’s is a drive – but maybe worth it? Availability may mean a longer trip. Thanks for the info
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Well … just keep it in mind the next time you pass Kroger.
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Oooh! It’s apparently at a couple of grocery stores near here! I can’t eat it just yet, but my day is coming. Oh, yes, my day is coming.
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Deborah,
Hooray for having it available!!! …. and cheers to the coming day when it arrives.
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Yes, I admit it…I’m going to look for it 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Zannyro,
Hooray!!!! Did you find a place? Keep me posted!
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They are scouting a location in Indianapolis, just announced it a few days ago!! Woo-hoo!!
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While you wait, check Kroger, Meijer, and Scott’s.
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Will do!!!
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Well, now I’m craving ice cream. It’s a good day for it, too. Ice cream would be so cooling on this hot and humid day. 🙂
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Robin,
Don’t forget to enter your new zipcode on the search function for a location selling Graeter’s near you!
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OMG!!!!!!! I grew up with this ice cream – Mocha Chocolate Chip. I do like the Raspberry Chocolate Chip. and my favorite non-chip flavor is Peach. Yum. ‘Graet’ post!
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Words4,
Glad this post brought a smile!!!!
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well consider me going dark green with jealousy. And then just boiling over with it 😀
Consider the jealousy upped!! :-@
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Gull,
Glad I was able to take envy to another level. Hopefully, someday will allow you to enjoy this treat.
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yes, hopefully someday I will. And hopefully that day you wouldn’t have had it. And then that day, maybe, it will be your turn to try on these greens that I wear right now. 😉
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LOL …. Some day …. but if the day comes when you do try it, and it makes you smile, I will be cheering with joy!
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aw, Frank. 😛
Hahahaha, I know you would be, although I feel you had in your mind be planning the next thing to get me jealous about! 😉
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Never …. I’m not that cruel … I’ll be nice and say I would enjoy being there for your first taste of that treat. Then again, I would give it a big thumbs up to not hurt my feelings. BUT, although it can be bought in many stores throughout the country, their ice cream shops are only in a few areas …. and that’s where one would get the full array of choices.
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hahaha, no worries, once I am in US, I will hunt down a shop and get myself the whole experience.
And while I am hunting that down, I might get to you and your family as well and add to my experience by sharing ‘the first tasting” with the guy who recommended it to me.
And I got that you were too nice to do that, but I have to say now and then being nice doesn’t pay off. be careful/
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🙂 …. and I salute you spunk and wit.
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😀
Thanks, I guess. LOL
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Oh yes … I can sense it in your writing!
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hahaha! THANK YOU, Frank!!!
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Yummy yummy yummy… gimme gimme gimme gimmme…
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Trent,
It is awesome … not sure if they distribute in Canada, but hey … they are in stores throughout the US … It may be pricey … but it is great! … Check the locations search on their site.
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I am depressed now…I am assured by Google maps that Cincinnati is 9814.952 miles away from my house. That’s a bit too far for me to walk even if it is the best ice cream in the world. They have pretty good flavours as well. Steve and I are making our own ice cream to accompany our home made rum baba this year. He wants fresh strawberry ice cream and we picked up a kilo of local ripe strawberries for the purpose today. I am making vegan coconut vanilla. I might even throw some black sesame seeds in for good measure. It most probably won’t be a patch on this gorgeousness BUT at least we will have ice cream of sorts for our celebration and in the end, that’s what counts 🙂
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Narf,
Glad you appreciated my local culinary treasure. A tad of a long walk, especially long a lonely highway. … Good to note that you are ice cream makers, and I’m sure make good stuff .. but with black sesame seeds? Oh well, makes sense after thinking about it.
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We Aussies are right smack bang in the heart of Asia so we are very experimental with our cooking. I just made a big batch of coconut ice cream for Christmas yesterday. Today we make Steve’s fresh strawberries and cream ice cream. If Mohammad won’t come to the mountain, you make your own ice cream 😉 it always tastes amazing when you make your own 🙂
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Given the two, save some of Steve’s version for me.
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He will be ladeling it over our homemade rum baba along with as much homemade mascarpone cheese as he can shovel out with a big spoon.
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Now that sounds wonderful.
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Hopefully it tastes wonderful as well :). We have to put on our “dog ignoring” glasses though otherwise they will mesmerise us into feeding them too much 😉
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By the way, if I found a huge chunk of chocolate in my ice cream I would keep very quite as otherwise I would have to share it. Large chunks of chocolate are one of life’s little blissful pleasures 😉
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Oh dear… when I get down to Cincinnati, one day, you’ll have to bring me! 😉
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Dale,
Graeter’s is a Cincinnati tradition, and a must visit for visitors. Please it or not, it’s the perfect pairing with this lunch … two links, but important to see them in this order … https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2012/03/19/on-chili/ …. https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/on-a-skyline/
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Well I’m all in for the first post with all those variations on chili; but, sorry, you’ve lost me on Skyline. Way too much cheese on top! (May be one of the reasons so many people are so “hefty”! But then, a treat once in a while can’t hurt…
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Dale,
Skyline is a classic example of a regional dish. It’s been here for years, but has now expanded to nearby cities. It’s different … and yes … like anything, moderation is good. I personally limit myself to once a month … but one can order with less cheese. … and the spaghetti is green on St. Patrick’s Day! YES!!!
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I would be willing to try it… and then go to Graeter’s for Chocolate-Mint ice cream!
I would do green spaghetti!
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Skyline followed by Graeter’s Chocolate Chip Mint ice cream is a perfect match … really. There are many more Skyline’s than Graeter’s throughout the city … thus it is important to pick a place where two are close to one another … and there are multiple locations for that.
Skyline started the green spaghetti two years ago … and a big hit for the day.
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Well I’ll just have to trust YOU will bring me to the good ones! 😉
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Of course!
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