ICE CREAM AT FENTON'S, OAKLAND, CA

 ICE CREAM AT FENTON'S, OAKLAND, CA

Should you ask anyone about memorable moments from their childhood, I am sure many will have memories which feature ice cream. To confirm my theory, I asked Prem about his memories. I was proved right! He spoke of happy celebrations at Jaffar's Soda Fountain in Madras ( now known as Chennai) and Lake View in Bangalore ( now known as Bengaluru). He said every kid's dream in those faraway days - the late 1950s, 1960s and 1970s-was to have ice cream at these famous places. He still remembers fondly the peach melba at Jaffar's and the Triple Sundae at Lake View. 

During our ongoing visit to the United States, we were happy to have ice creams at Oakland, CA 's equivalent of Jaffar's and Lake View. This historical place for ice creams is called  Fenton's Creamery. Located in Oakland's Piedmont Ave, this ice cream parlour and restaurant for American food dates way back to 1894! Old photographs and prints of Fenton's over the decades dot the walls of the restaurant. It is remarkable that Fenton's continues to thrive after more than 130 years!! 

Fenton's is a popular place to celebrate. When we visited- as I am sure happens all the time- there were several celebrations going on at different tables. Someone's birthday, someone's anniversary or just a celebration for some happy family event. Couples, young families, older persons, they were all there! A distinct spirit of merriment and laughter echoed in the restaurant.

We had their famous vanilla ice cream with the inevitable accompaniment of hot chocolate sauce. 

Also their Black and White: rich chocolate and vanilla ice cream layered with marshmellows and the famous Fenton fudge topped with almonds, whipped cream and cherry. 

The ice creams were super delicious! We now realised why people here swear by Fenton's when it comes to ice creams! Highly recommended if you happen to be anywhere close to Oakland, CA!! 

As is famously said, " Life is like an ice cream! Enjoy it before it melts"!!