Frozen Custard Tour, 02/02/2003

I had a magnificent immersion in the world of frozen custard last week on my trip to Wisconsin.

It really started off well by flying Midwest Express (yes, I had to take my shoes off) and having a glass of champagne and an Usinger's brat on the plane.

My sister, who teaches at Alverno College, picked me up and we went right to Oscar's on the way home, followed by Gilles'. This was really disappointing custard and a strange start to the trip, causing me to wonder if I really remembered custard as better than it really was. The Oscar's custard was a strange tasting mixture and the Fo'day was a starchy, artificial addition of canned apple chunks and little dough balls from a box. Disappointing.

Then came the Temple to Frozen Custard - Kopps.

We went out to the newer one out on Greenfield, aka the bowling ball one. The architecture of this shop is looked upon warily by some. I absolutely loved it. The gorgeous, modernity, stainless steel, abstract sculpture incorporating bowling balls honors frozen custard as well as gives a sly little wink to Milwaukee's "bowling league" culture.

We had decided previously to have a small cup each of the Fo'day and vanilla. This would allow us to check the flavor and texture of each against the other stands. However, at Kopps I decided to have the chocolate since I had heard from customers about it's darkness. Also, Kay was willing to eat it. I don't really care for chocolate custard or ice cream and, truth be known, have never even had any chocolate except my own. I would never order chocolate if I could have the flavor or vanilla.

The Kopp's chocolate was astoundingly dark. Whoa. It causes me to consider whether mine ought to be darker,too.

The flavor of the day was Boston Cream Pie. It was executed much like mine. My cake is made by me and better but they also squirted in pastry cream which was kind of nice. I have this on the February calendar so I think I may try it that way.

Kopp's had the best, most perfectly textured custard I had ever had. I am incredibly humbled, happy to be part of this world.

End of the first day.

Tomorrow-Custard Surprise