Summer, meet frozen custard at Scotties

 May 15, 2013

I thought I knew my frozen desserts. Ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, ice pops. I am a master champion appreciator of them all.
I'd heard of frozen custard and half-heartedly enjoyed certain chain shop varieties. But they never won me over. I never craved custard, and it never won the battle against ice cream.
But then. I went to Scotties Frozen Custard in Colchester. Oh God. How had I never heard of this place before?
The main difference between frozen custard and ice cream is that custard requires egg yolks. The yolks make for an incredibly rich, creamy dessert, which to me doesn't automatically sound more delicious than ice cream. But at Scotties, this translates into a much more complex, flavorful dessert than the sometimes one-toned ice cream.
The place doesn't look like much, just your garden variety roadside ice cream stand/clam shack on Route 85. But the menu held promise, with flavors ranging from the standby favorites to more interesting flavors such as lemon chiffon, Hawaiian pineapple, amaretto and cantaloupe.
I opted for the tiramisu, while my dining companion went for the vanilla - a fine way to measure the quality of an establishment, at its most naked. Both were amazingly velvety and rich, and though we each ordered a small ($3.55), we craved more.
We were also looking forward to trying some of the mouth-watering array of fried foods on the menu (Hello, summer! We're coming!), but unfortunately, Scotties only takes cash and checks, and we had enough cash just for the custard. A review of the sea dog (battered white cod on a toasted roll) and a side of chili cheese fries will have to come later.

Recent Posts

Get thee to Yantic for Lazizah's falafel

 May 11, 2013

I'm getting hungry again just thinking about it.
If you thought you had to go all the way to New Haven or New York for great falafel and Mediterranean food, you're wrong, and here's why.

Are you a big fan of small plates?

 April 3, 2013

I have to be in the right mood to enjoy tapas dining. Thankfully, that was the case when we went to Twisted Vine in Westerly. As I said in a review of the new restaurant, which you can read

UPDATE: Hoping for a quick return of Ten Sandwiches

 March 23, 2013

Ten Sandwiches has posted this on Facebook:
Update: The building we occupied on Commerce St in downtown Westerly is going to be knocked down due to the third floor fire on...

Markos hits the road - again

 January 15, 2013

Last year, Markos restaurant left Narragansett, where it had built a loyal following, and moved to Westerly. One of The Day’s restaurant reviewers, Jill Blanchette, wrote "Narragansett’s loss truly is Westerly’s...

Washington Street Coffee House in New London makes quite the first impression

 October 24, 2012

My radar went up recently when I heard talk of the new Washington Street Coffee House at the old Bean & Leaf location on Washington Street in New London. The beat on the street is that this places makes some pretty tasty food.

Some good stuff cooking at The Pita Spot in Mystic

 October 16, 2012

Recently, I had lunch at The Pita Spot: A Mediterranean Grill in Mystic. There’s a lot to like here and I’ll start with starters. The list of appetizers is broken into cold and warm options.

For vegan fare, try the new Kate’s Café in Mystic

 October 10, 2012

I’m always excited when I get to try a restaurant for the first time, especially when it’s a type of food you don’t see everyday.

What are some good health or natural foods restaurants in the area?

 October 9, 2012

Hi folks, I’ll be writing a round up of some good health food or natural food restaurants in the area for an upcoming edition of Night & Day. Let me know if there are any places I should be sure not to miss.

Café Sol is an amazing lunch place on Niantic’s Main Street

 October 8, 2012

I like to think of myself as an urban explorer. I feel most at home making my way on foot through new neighborhoods, seeking out the dives and hidden gem restaurants. An Anthony Bourdain of sorts, albeit one who rarely leaves southern New England.

A shrimp Po’ Boy you don’t even have to leave your car for

 October 6, 2012

It’s not too often that we review a fast food place here on the Dining Blog, but I’m a firm believer in giving credit when credit is due.

Atrium Café is a sure bet for lunch in New London

 October 3, 2012

I walked up State Street earlier today, thinking of where I would like to grab lunch. A few paces later, I saw the sign for the Atrium Café.

The best lunch place in New London you've never been to

 September 26, 2012

Anyone who has ever been to this New London market and café knows how great a hidden gem it is. I've driven past it several times on my way down Ocean Avenue but never made my way inside until today.

A few of New England's hidden pizza gems

 September 25, 2012

Everyone seems to know about the great offerings in New Haven, but there are some other places within an hour or two of New London that are definitely worth a try

A breakfast that hits the spot at DJ’s Campus Kitchen

 September 22, 2012

I’ve always been a morning person. I’m the guy who jumps out of bed at 5:30 a.m. and gleefully starts up the coffee maker, the kind of neighbor getting his lawnmower going before 9.

The Dining Blog bump?

 September 21, 2012

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog about the scrumptious corned beef grinder at Carlo and Son Quality Meats in East Lyme. Our executive editor Tim Dwyer told me he’s heard the butcher and grinder shop has been having trouble keeping the...

New London grinder the focus of new documentary short

 September 20, 2012

We received a Facebook message today from video producer Dauris Rafael Hernandez introducing the new “Grinder is King” documentary, the story behind the creation of the New London grinder.

Giuliano’s in Niantic is King at 'Grinder is King Festival'

 September 19, 2012

Several local grinder shops were on hand for the “Grinder is King Festival” last weekend in New London, but only one was voted first place by festival-goers: Giuliano’s in Niantic.

Everybody's favorite at Hamilton Street Market

 September 13, 2012

Of the recommendations I received from readers, a good number of them suggested I try Hamilton Street Market in New London. And if history’s taught us anything it’s always a good idea to do what a large mass of people say to do.

Funny name, great grinder

 September 12, 2012

It's day four of my southeastern Connecticut grinder tour, which is due to wrap up the day of The Grinder is King Festival in New London on Saturday. After receiving multiple recommendations from readers and a colleague, today's stop was at Pasta...

Hartford's grinder legend

 September 11, 2012

The coming of the fall season, in my opinion, has always been the most nostalgic time of the year. Spring may be when the flowers and trees come back to life. But fall seems to be closely linked to memories of new beginnings: the school year,...

This dining out blog is written by Day restaurant reviewers and other foodies in the Day newsroom who go out to eat more than their salaries justify. If you have restaurant news or tips to share send them to Marisa Nadolny at m.nadolny@theday.com.

DAY BLOGROLL

News

Day Photo Staff | On Assignment

David Collins | Today, in The Day

Karen Florin | On The Docket

Rufus Giuseppe | The Dog Dishes

Opinion

Paul Choiniere | Ruminations

Arts & Entertainment

Day staff | Taste Buds (Dining)

Day staff | The Sipping Room (Drinks)

Jenna Cho | Salt to Taste

Jill Blanchette | Healthy Cooking

Kristina Dorsey | Reel Life

Marisa Nadolny | Pop Blog

Michelle Gallerani | Motherhood

Rick Koster | Aging Rock Dude

Rick Koster | Librarian to The Stars / Books Blog

Sunday Night TV | Mad Men Monday

Sports

Steve Fagin | The Great Outdoors

Vickie Fulkerson | High School Sports

Nick Giuliano | Fenway Frankly

Ned Griffen | High School Football

Gavin Keefe | UConn Men's Hoops

Jim O'Neill | Golf