Whatever you’re doing… Stop. Right. Now! Give this place a chance to put some flavor (and decadence) into your life. Just in time for summer, Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery made its debut in Lafayette Square this past weekend. Tucked away at the end of a side street, the new ice cream parlor offers customers both a charming patio and interior seating from which to indulge pleasantly.
The renovated space with its large, blackboard menu and white, vintage wall tiles, has the feel of a Parisian ice cream parlor. (I’m always grateful for a large, readable, well-posted menu that makes sense. Happily, Clementine’s fills all my requirements.)
Owner Tamara Keefe, a California transplant, has put her heart into churning out small batch creations of the highest quality and with 100% natural ingredients. No additives or artificial anything. All the candy, cookies, cakes and sauces that go into making the creamy flavors are created in house. Keefe kicks it up a notch by having a 16% to 18% fat content in her mixtures that assures a smooth textured product.
On the “Naughty” side of the chalkboard are the boozy choices: Banana Rum and Maple Bourbon with Salted Candied Pecans; Chocolate Cabernet, and Old Fashioned. And, on occasion, the Moscow Mule, that comes with a vodka kick.
The “Nice” list features a number of classics with a twist: Kick*** Chocolate, Manchego Truffle with Honey; Gooey Butter Cake; and Madagascar Vanilla. Keep an eye out for the seasonal varieties: Dark Chocolate Fig, Strawberry with Balsamic and White Pepper, Summer Southern Sweet Corn, and Key Lime Pie.
Kudos to Keefe for her innovative ways of marketing her product. For those unable to get enough of the velvety, rich concoction on site, pint containers are available to take home. If you call this number 314.858.6100, they’ll deliver to your door! And there’s an ice cream cart available for parties and catered events. Their Spoons and Spokes Bike Cart features an ice cream case mounted on a tricycle, much like what you’d see on a busy street corner during the tourist season.
If you can’t make the trip to Lafayette Square, but have the urge for one of Keefe’s cool creations, they’re available at these restaurants and retailers: Pappy’s Smokehouse, Cleveland-Heath, Park Avenue Coffee, Olio and Elaia, Pi Pizzeria, Gringo, Sqwires, Brennan’s Old standard, Dooley’s Craft Beer Cellar, Water Street, Perennial Artisan Ales, Parker’s Table, and Byrd & Barrel.
Wicked delicious. Enjoy!
Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery, 1637 S. 18th St. Open: Everyday 11a-11p.
