parfait

Watch out Seattle. There’s a new gourmet food truck puttering around these pot-holed streets. And this time, it’s not a diner on wheels or the best food cart in the grand ole U.S. of A. The Parfait ice cream truck serves up spoonfuls of the sweet variety: organic, homemade ice creams.

Right off the bat I was a little in love with this joint. Er, truck. I have such fond memories of Popsicle Joe when I was young: chasing after him in flip flops, spraining my ankle, the 16 year-old pimple-faced driver laughing at me as he drove off into the sunset with his Strawberry Shortcakes and Firecrackers. I figured that if nothing else, Parfait would be stationary, serve me ice cream that was not on a stick, and not necessitate an injured joint to enjoy it’s frozen bounty.

We were lucky enough to have them near our neighborhood this weekend, so Husband, Little Bear, some pals and I absolutely had to make the short trip to give these cones a try. The truck is gorgeous, the menu cute and simple, and the staff incredibly friendly and cordial. But what to order?

Our friend Dave, a parfait junkie, went with the mint stracciatella: mint-flavored ice cream with Dagoba chocolate flakes. But this was no ordinary pseudo-mint flavoring—it was made with real, fresh mint leaves. The result was quite a different flavor than your run-of-the-mill chocolate chip mint. It was fresh, earthy, and (as we all remarked with curiosity and laughter) tasted remarkably similar to another green leafy plant.

Yes, that one. Maybe that’s why Dave hangs outside this ice cream truck every Sunday.

For me? I went the herb-free route cuz that’s how I hang. The meyer lemon had my name on all over it, and I was pleasantly surprised by it’s soft lemon flavor. Parts of the ice cream were a little, well, icy; I found a few ice chips lurking in my compostable cup. But overall it was good.

Husband, because he needs chocolate like he needs air and internet, went with a bowl of decadent chocolate ice cream. It was creamy. It was rich. Smooth. Dare I say the best chocolate ice cream in Seattle?

It’s the best I have tasted in a long while. Are there any other new contestants that I need to know about?

When Lucy became aware that there was ice cream to be had, she got a little excited.

And I do believe that as she tasted Daddy’s chocolate, she said “mmmmmm.” I’m not even joking. I have no idea where she gets it from.

Check out Parfait’s schedule to see if they’re headed to your neck of the woods sometime soon. When you go, just make sure that you have a designated driver. The mint stracciatella has quite a kick.

And tell Dave I said hi. He’ll be the one begging on hands and knees for more ice cream. And eating cheetos. And ding dongs. And beef jerky.

-RDG