For years, like so many of us, I have had a massive addiction to certain types of ice cream. No, I have never been the Moo Loo girl of the seventies, attracted the weird kiddie pitched flavours – as a Hawkes Bay girl through and through I have been extremely loyal to Rush Munro – such is my obsession for the strawberry or malted milk favour (together or apart) I have been known to detour through Hastings on my way to our Havelock store- no matter what time of day, to purchase and savour. There is no time that doesn’t suit a Rush Munro ice-cream – it is divine, and such is the testimony of so many, as it now graces the supermarket shelves of this country. Surprisingly the company remains privately owned, with its original premises on Heretaunga Street, ready to serve seven days of the week. For years I have searched for a better ice cream than this, and believe me I have tried so many – from Kapiti  (now proudly owned by Tip Top, I guess this is a bit  like Ezibuy owning Max fashions,) to Ben and Jerry  (you can’t move for the queues on Ponsonby Road) and the highly celebrated Movenpick, and then our own newly arrived local producer, Duck Island, entered the market.

With excitement I sampled several flavours, giving them all a considered once over, but sadly I still have yet to see any one rival the mighty Rush Munro. So I thought – maybe there is an opportunity waiting, as I certainly know the New Zealand public, no matter how diverse we are becoming, has an appetite for ice cream. 

Frock Ice Cream was born, conceived in the same kitchen that gives birth to some incredible food daily through Cafe Frock, not only for the Te Atawhai retreat, but also for the local area with the many offerings that are free range, organic, RAW and just very delicious, and often wonderfully healthy. It’s time for this fabulous team to begin to brand themselves with a selection of products that simply ensure they stand apart in a crowded cafe space, and Frock Ice cream is step one. Delicious flavours, (not too freaky,) popular with a twist – salted caramel and white chocolate, all refined sugar free,  and some also dairy free. From this week we start to trial on the local cafe community which has supported us over the last five years – they have already got past their biggest critic (me.) A pending trip to China has certainly stopped me becoming immersed in further taste tests. The ice cream is delicious, and ready to test, so don’t take my word for it, call in for a sample – but prepare to become an addict.