Maybe it’s something about the fun-loving nature of the treat, but it is fair to say that ice cream — like many indulgent treats — can bring people together.
And perhaps, in no place is this more evident — only eclipsed by the two friendly founders of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream — than in Kensington’s own Little Baby’s Ice Cream.
Co-owner Pete Angevine, of East Kensington, said he came into partnership with fellow owners Jeff Ziga and Martin Brown after having spent time making homemade ice cream on his own.
The men shared a common bond, a love of ice cream, and in partnership, they have created a unique — some might say unusual — selection of ice cream which will launch during this year’s Trenton Avenue Arts Fest and Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby.
“We look at ice cream as a new outlet to have fun with friends and bring people together,” said Angevine.
This weekend, Little Baby’s Ice Cream will be premiering an ice cream tricycle (a sustainable take on the traditional ice cream truck) at the weekend event in order to introduce the new ice cream to the public.
Little Baby’s Ice Cream isn’t simply chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Instead, how about a cone of Earl Grey Sriracha? Or maybe Balsamic Banana is more to your taste?
“It’s a little bit new and different,” acknowledged Angevine. “(Ice cream) is a great way to use your imagination and experiment.”
Still, he said, while the flavors like Cardamom Caramel and Coffee Toffee might sound unusual, the point of the business is to provide delicious ice cream in new flavor combinations that customers might not initially suspect.
“It’s a feeling I’ve always strived for, that one where you’re confused and gratified at the same time,” he said.
For now, the company has no storefront location to sell the product, though the owners hope to have a spot when Pizza Brain opens in its planned spot on Frankford Avenue.
But, the company will be at area events, including this weekend’s Kinetic Kensington Derby and Trenton Avenue Arts Festival and the upcoming Punk Rock Flea Market.
You can reach Hayden Mitman at hmitman@bsmphilly.com.
