Author's product rating: 
| Advantages: |
delicious, wide variety, cheap, friendly service |
| Disadvantages: |
not exactly healthy ! |
| Recommend to potential buyers: |
yes |
I've never really been a huge fan of ice cream. I'd enjoy the odd bowl of Neapolitan or Raspberry Ripple when I was younger, but other than that, I've never really been into the stuff. Though, two nights back when my cousin started craving Baskin Robbins, she somehow managed to pass this on to me when she was describing the different flavours she fancied.
Now, as usual, I tried to let this craving for ice cream pass. I couldn't understand why I felt so needy for it. I'd not realised how special it was, so I didn't feel like I was missing out. However, I simply couldn't shift my desire, and asked my cousin if she fancied popping along to our local Baskin Robbins ice cream shop.
As neither of us drive, my Dad kindly took us across (after much persuasion and promises of dish-washing!), which thankfully took just five minutes as there was very little traffic on the roads at nine o' clock in the evening! We did struggle to find a parking space on the street, though there was one sneaky little gap towards the end. After pulling up, my cousin and I nipped along towards the shop.
You cannot miss the Baskin Robbins sign, '31 Flavours!' illuminated in a stylish pink neon light above the door. When we entered, there was quite a queue of about five people in front of us, and three more entered before we left. Though, this thankfully gave me time to decide what I wanted. There's a few ways you can enjoy your ice creams; in a cone, a sundae, as a smoothie or mixed as a milkshake.
After much thought, I settled my heart on a three-scoop Sundae. But what ice-creams would I try? Scanning my eyes across the ice creams in the counter before me, my eyes were bulging at all the scrumptious looking flavours. I cannot possibly name all thirty-one, but some of these delights included; Banana Caramel, Vanilla, Rainbow Sherbet, Polar Bear Dip, Lemon Meringue, Coconut, and Cookies & Cream. I finally set my mind on three scrumptious flavours; Cotton Candy, Bananas & Strawberry, and Pralines & Cream. If that wasn't a hard enough decision, I had to choose my toppings! You have a selection of sauces to choose from, including Hot Fudge, Strawberry, and Chocolate Sauce. As tasty as they sounded, I decided to go for Hot Butterscotch. Then there's the sweet toppings you can have. These were displayed across the top of the counter so they could be easily browsed. There were large options such as whole Crème Eggs, Freddos and Mars Eggs. Then you had the little options like Jelly Belly Beans, Jelly Babies, Chocolate Sprinkles and sugar strands. After much 'uuming' and 'aahing', I asked for mini marshmallows, broken up Oreos and Vanilla Fudge to be added to my Sundae.
When I asked for my Sundae, it was presented to me in a deep cardboard-style circular tub. It had quite a fun and attractive design, making the experience that little bit more of a delight. I was charged just £3.90 for my Sundae, and for the amount I got in my cup, that is exceptionally cheap! Though, I was actually under-charged! A three-scoop costs £3.10, though I was only charged for a two-scoop! Toppings were 25p each, and the sauce was 45p. (There's a thought - that means a Crème Egg is only 25p from here, compared to the usual 40+p in normal shops!).
I couldn't wait to tuck in, and sampled my treat on the way home (hey, I didn't want it to melt now, did I?!). I tried each topping first. The mini marshmallows were incredibly soft and chewy, quite chilled when coated in ice cream. The Oreos tasted like, well, Oreos - A crunchy sweet chocolaty biscuit. As for the fudge pieces - they were the nicest little fudges I have ever tasted. They were especially sweet and creamy, soft too. There wasn't much Butterscotch sauce visible on the surface, however the small amount I did find was still slightly warm and sticky sweet. It's flavour was phenomenal and rich too.
Moving on to the ice cream, I didn't know where to begin! You're given a girly pink plastic spoon with your treat (which I've kept!). Digging the spoon first into the Banana and Strawberry, I shovelled some into my mouth. It was quite sweet and definitely tasted more so of bananas than strawberries. Nonetheless, the two flavours were both definitely present and a joy to eat. The Cotton Candy was a surprising blue colour with mixes of pinks through it. Giving that a try, I attached myself to the taste straight away. Indeed it tasted much like candyfloss, but not too sugary, which is always positive. Sampling the third and final flavour, I think I enjoyed the Pralines & Cream the most. The basic vanilla-sweet ice cream was quite soft and satisfying, and tasted slightly of caramel. The pieces of pralines were strong in taste too, and provided a fascinating chewy texture. All three ice cream scoops were soft and creamy, and thankfully not too cold. As I revealed a little of the bottom of the cup, I found the large amount of Butterscotch Sauce at long last. There was mounds of it on the bottom; a nice surprise as I had completely forgotten about the extra!
It took a while for the ice cream even to begin melting, and almost a half hour later I was finished. I was left feeling full, but don't get me wrong - it was not an uncomfortable or unpleasant feeling, but more of delight and satisfaction. Although I'd probably just consumed my weight in sugars, I didn't feel sick in the slightest! I thoroughly enjoyed my ice cream, which is quite unusual for me, which means Baskin Robbins must be doing something right!
Now, the nutritional information for their products is not displayed anywhere in store, though after searching on the American Baskin Robbins site, I managed to locate the information. I don't think I personally want to know what's in my ice cream treat, however if you desire to find out this information, you can access it via the link below.
Baskin Robbins do not just sell your basic ice creams. In the large fridge freezer next to the counter, I noticed they displayed various other products. On the top two shelves, there was a selection of ice cream tubs for you to buy and take away in a few flavours; Cookies & Cream, and Pralines & Cream. On the bottom three shelves were the most scrumptious-looking ice-cream cakes. I'd never actually seen an ice-cream cake before, and found them most fascinating. Perhaps I can have one for my next birthday as a nice change!
The actual layout of Baskin Robbins in Aberdeen is grand. Although the shop is not too large, about the size of your standard take-away shop, it's brightly decorated and colourful inside. It's quite clean too, everything clearly labelled and priced for easy viewing. The service from the counter-staff was positive too, greetings full of smiles. This alone made the experience a joy.
How do Baskin Robbins Ice cream compare to others then? There really is no tough competition when the quality is considered. Although I don't eat ice-cream often, what I have enjoyed does not even come close to the rich and creamy flavours of Baskin Robbins. Whenever I crave ice cream again, I'll most certainly venture to Baskin Robbins, even if it is further away than necessary!
The Aberdeen Baskin Robbins store is located on Thistle Street, which you can reach by turning off at the top of the main town street (Union Street). Although there are many other little shops and stores around it, the bright neon sign sticking out on the wall makes it easy to locate.
Although this store is obviously in the UK, Baskin Robbins is actually an American company. After having a scoop around on their website, I was amazed by what they too have to offer. They actually do an Oreo flavoured ice-cream, and Reese' Peanut Butter Cup smoothies. They have pictures of all their products, and I must say - they are incredibly mouth-watering! They have something called a Waffle-Bowl Sundae, which looks and sounds heavenly! We're hoping to go to New York next year, so perhaps I'll get to enjoy some of their amazing flavours too!
Perhaps my liking for ice cream has become stronger, though it's still not something I could eat a lot of. However, I do feel that the odd trip to Baskin Robbins is in order!
© Amy 2008
- British site - www.baskinrobbins.co.uk
- American site - www.baskinrobbins.com
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