I spent Easter weekend in Nashville, TN with my Asphalt Beach teammates for some pre-season training. I devoted plenty of time skating on roads, trails, and airport runway. What I did not expect was a stop at famed Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. If you haven’t heard, Jeni’s makes some of the best ice cream in the US according to many trustworthy sources. But I have little reasons to visit their scoop shops in Columbus, Ohio. Before last weekend, I was certain my dream of tasting such splendid ice cream would remain a dream.
We were driving on Eastland en route to Cornelia Fort Airpark when a bright orange sign caught my attention. “Jeni’s!!!!” I squealed in delight much to the dismay of my travel companion. I couldn’t figure out why they have a shop in East Nashville but the familiar logo was unmistakable. I could not contain my excitement.
It would be another 24 hours before I actually set foot inside the shop. Sunday was cold and rainy, not exactly ice cream weather. But then, it was not exactly inline skating weather either. Instead of training, we did some sightseeing around town and there was a lull before my flight home. My eyes lit up the minute it was suggested that we stop by Jeni’s for a snack. At long last!
Before I even stepped inside the shop, the sweet smell of freshly made waffle cone already made my mouth water. The brightly lit scoop shop was sparsely decorated and spacious to focus our attention on the ice creams. Among the Signature, Perennial, and Limited Edition flavours, it was tough to choose. The Absinthe & Meringue had a pleasant anise taste in pretty pale green. Banana Cajeta was bursting with fresh banana flavour. But I was most intrigued by Bangkok Peanut. What started as rich peanut and coconut gave way to a lingering spicy kick. It was bold and so very different.
I went with a bowl of three scoops and wanted complementary flavours that would not clash with such unique taste. The helpful ambassador (that’s scoop shop employee) suggested Double Toasted Coconut, Milkiest Chocolate In The World, and Salty Caramel. Mmm, tough decision! By process of elimination, chocolate lost by a slim margin. All three scoops were superbly creamy and not too airy. I love that slightly sticky feeling of pulling at the scoop when the ice cream was served at just the right temperature. Each flavour was bright and distinct even though it was a bowl of beige.
East Nashville is an up-and-coming neighbourhood and Jeni’s fits right in. In fact, I would go out of my way to visit just so I can try every single flavour. Let’s return to Nashville for next year’s training camp!
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams East Nashville (map)
1892 Eastland Avenue
Nashville, TN 37206
615-262-8611
