Big Spoon Creamery, Birmingham, AL

This was my first ice cream visit during the COVID-19 pandemic, and when I read the reviews for this place, I knew it was worth a little risk and discomfort to visit. They offered curbside delivery for those who called ahead, but with a mask requirement, clear directions on where to go and strict capacity limitations, I felt very comfortable heading inside.

If you’re like me and have food allergies/intolerances, make use of their online menu, which clearly displays the major allergens. Unfortunately (at least during my visit) they didn’t display the allergens clearly inside, though I’m sure I could have inquired.

They offer a relatively small number of flavors, with a couple of sorbets, and they recommended I get the half flight (3, 2 ounce scoops) to experience variety without having a gargantuan portion. It was a great recommendation.

Although there isn’t any seating inside the ice cream parlor itself, when you exit the building, there are several outdoor and indoor spaces you can enjoy a scoop in. It seemed to be a kind of shared, communal space with the other nearby businesses – it’s artsy and funky and casual and honestly pretty great for right now too, given the dangers of eating indoors.

Here’s what I tried:

Verbana Blackberry – Wow!!! I loved the pop of the lemon in this so much. The blackberry swirl is jam-like, and a perfect complement to the lemon. This is a perfect summer flavor, light and refreshing. I had one tiny touch of ice in my scoop, but otherwise it held together well without being overly creamy. The green flecks with the lemon were fun – such a tasty flavor!!

Valrhona Dark Chocolate – Oh my word!! This was outrageously creamy, and it truly showcases this particular chocolate source. This is on my top five chocolates of all time list! They showcase the complex chocolate so well. This is for a true connoisseur of chocolate.

Vanilla Bean – (Note: I believe this is the vanilla I had, but my notes aren’t as clear as I’d hoped.) Wow. This was more like a custard. It’s honestly the best vanilla I have ever had! It’s like a white chocolate in its richness…so decadent and perfect with chocolate and with anything else. So creamy, and with so much flavor.

If it weren’t for COVID-19 and time constraints as I was passing through, I would 100% have gone back for chocolate and vanilla the very next day. The half flight is extremely reasonable at $5.75, so tip well like I did.

If you’re nearby soon, definitely consider pre-ordering their holiday flavors. They look incredible!

Big Spoon Creamery is definitely a favorite ice cream spot that I look forward to returning to someday. Parking was free and reasonable – there’s a relatively small parking lot, but I had several spaces available to me when I visited.

These folks know their food, know their ice cream and how to showcase local ingredients exceptionally. Don’t skip the vanilla and chocolate, friends.

Thank you, Big Spoon Creamery! And Happy Holidays to you, my friend and reader!

P.S. Another way to support this blog is to support the work my family does. My husband’s holiday ukulele album is perfect for listening and gift-giving, and it’s available now! Acoustic, instrumental ukulele music is the perfect accompaniment to your Christmas festivities, if you celebrate.

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