We All Scream for Ice Cream
A photo I took during my visit to Ruby Scoops.
If you asked my friends what my favorite dessert is, they’d all blurt out the same answer: ICE CREAM! I love ice cream so much! I could eat it every day. Luckily, I don’t. I do have a little self-control, thank goodness! However, I couldn’t quell the craving yesterday, and I had to get some ice cream. But I didn’t go to my usual spot. I decided to go somewhere different. Instead, I went to Ruby Scoops in the Northside neighborhood of Richmond.
Before the visit, I checked out the website to see what they offered. It’s a cute yet simple and easy-to-navigate site. I was able to find what I was looking for and more. One of the many things I do like about Ruby Scoops is that they are concerned about allergies, which they make known on the website under the FAQs tab. I have a coconut allergy that I’m aware of and possibly one or two more, but I don’t let that stop me from shoving ice cream down my throat.
Screen record of me perusing the Ruby Scoops website.
On my way to Ruby Scoops, I notice that there are a ton of businesses along the boulevard, many of them being Black-owned. I wanted to stop in a few, but I just didn’t have the time. So, if you have a free day to yourself soon, I suggest taking a stroll down the boulevard and checking out some of these places. I know I will!
Anyways, I’m not ashamed to say that I passed the entrance and had to turn around (what can I say, I’m a goof), but once I found the right door to walk through, I was greeted immediately by two young Black women behind the counter. The vibes were great! It was nice and spacious with plenty of seating, and it screamed family-friendly neighborhood ice cream spot. As an introvert, I usually don’t go to places like this during the summer when everyone is out and about, but I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. In fact, I felt like I was at home.
When I made it to the counter, one of the ladies asked if I had ever been there before. I told her I had, but it had been a while. So, she started firing off the different flavors at me. I had to stop her, though, so I could tell her about my allergy. Without hesitation, she pointed out the ice creams that I couldn’t have and told me to avoid those. She even double-checked with her coworker.
Now, it truly impresses me when people already know what’s in their desserts, and it means even more to me when they double-check just to make sure. I always disclose my allergy, especially when I’m getting dessert, because people seem to get creative with desserts and add all sorts of things to them. Yes, I’ve had more than one incident that unfortunately took a wrong turn. Let me tell you, I never went back to those places ever again.
After the young lady gave me a rundown of the safe options, I chose a double scoop with Butter Brickle, brown butter ice cream with heath toffee chunks, and Ube Cookies and Crème, their most popular flavor. It’s a twist on the original with its Filipino purple yam and Oreos, and boy, did I enjoy eating every single bite! I tried not to look like I had never had ice cream ever in my life while shoving that deliciousness in my mouth. Not sure if I succeeded or not, and honestly, I don’t care. It was so good!
A photo of the Ube Cookies & Creme ingredients. Via Toni D
A photo of the main ingredients of Butter Brickle. Via Toni D
I did eat inside. I’m not usually the type to grab and go unless I have somewhere I need to go. So, I can report that it wasn’t too rowdy in there. There were a couple of families in there talking and laughing, but that doesn’t bother me one bit. I love seeing others having a good time. However, if you are a grouch, this spot may not be for you. Take your ice cream to go.
My yummy cone!
I enjoyed every bite of this! I’ll definitely be going back to try other flavors.
I think this may be my new favorite ice cream spot. I loved the flavors and the vibes, and I felt so comfortable sitting in there. Uh! Ruby Scoops is just gonna take all of my damn money! That’s okay, though. As long as they’ll have me back, I’ll keep going back.
