#LocalFoodieFriday: Louisville Cream
Hey y’all, and welcome back to another #LocalFoodieFriday – the first in a while! Coronavirus tried its hardest to bring the local food scene down, but Louisvillians are stronger than that. We’re also stronger than racism and hate, which is why I have decided to make a more concerted effort to support Black-owned local businesses as much as I can. I was delighted to learn that the best ice cream store in the city was one of them: Louisville Cream!
If you’re looking for a decadent dessert, look no further than Louisville Cream, in the heart of NuLu on Market Street. Since 2014, this local creamery and dessert shop has been winning over the hearts of Louisvillians all around town. No matter where you live, the trip downtown is worth it just for a scoop of their luscious ice cream. Not to mention that once you’re down there, there’s a whole host of things to do! NuLu is the center of a thriving business project that has brought bars, restaurants, and boutiques to a once-neglected part of the city. Though the question of gentrification hangs over the project, it has allowed numerous small businesses to flourish, including Harvest, Feast BBQ, Royal’s Hot Chicken, and Louisville Cream.
Currently during COVID times, Louisville Cream has a smooth operation set up to ensure that your experience is seamless. When you arrive on the sidewalk outside the door, a masked employee comes out and asks for your order, which they write on a paper bag. The menu posted in the window is updated to show what is available and what they have run out of. Once your order is placed, the employee returns with your items in the bag they wrote the order on – no chance of getting mixed up with another hungry customer when the record of what you ordered is right in front of you! They then take your payment and return with a receipt. We went on Juneteenth – a holiday in which everyone is rushing to support Black-owned businesses – and the process was efficient and painless.
So what do they have to offer when you get there? Only some of the best ice cream in town! The texture is creamy and luxurious, and the flavors are out of this world. For those looking for something indulgent, I recommend the Birthday Cake Cookies & Cream – cake batter ice cream with sprinkles and Oreo chunks. If light and fresh is more your style, try the Lemon Cream Cookie. The sharpness of the lemon flavor that they use is a welcome addition to the thick ice cream base. And if ice cream isn’t your thing, you MUST try their homemade ding-dongs. These rich desserts are made with two layers of cake sandwiching a cream filling and robed in chocolate or candy coating. I had the lemon flavor, and it was such a delight! The brightness of the lemon made such a heavy dessert feel like it was dancing in my mouth. Every last bite was a heavenly experience. Next time, I might have to try a slice of pie, a brownie, or a soda float. The options are way too numerous for one trip, no matter how many friends you bring to share with!
The prices are very good, and pretty much in line with what you’ll pay at any other dessert spot. This is a relief, because often quality local creations mean higher prices. A trip to Louisville Cream certainly won’t break the bank – unless you order too much, which is a possibility when you realize that you desperately NEED to try the whole menu. However, if you can contain yourself, you’ll come away with a fat wallet and a smile on your face. With everything that’s been going on, couldn’t we all use a smile from time to time? One of the best ways to build a healthier community is investing in your neighbors. Louisville Cream is doing dessert better than anyone I know, and I hope that you’ll go give it a shot and see what all the hype is about!
Until next time, here’s to good drinking, great eating, and even better living.
Louisville Cream is located at 632 E Market St., in the heart of NuLu. They are open 1-7 PM Wednesday-Saturday, 1-6 PM on Sunday, and have curbside service currently due to COVID-19.