Forget 31 flavors and waffle cones. At Smoosh, the latest development in ice cream innovation, ice cream sandwiches take the spotlight and don’t disappoint. As I walked into the up-and-coming parlor, I was greeted by crisp freezer air, no wait at all and a genial “How are you today?” from the man behind the counter. Before building an unusual combination of Strawberry Ice Cream, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and Coconut Shavings, I caught sight of two customers’ milkshakes and considered following their lead, but as soon as I bit into that blend of smooth ice cream, coarse cookie and crunchy coconut, I was glad I didn’t. To my delight, as I continued to devour my sandwich, I hadn’t used any of the 20-something napkins I took in anticipation for a melted and collapsed sandwich—it stayed surprisingly intact. Ice cream cones are notoriously messy, sticky and awkward, and Smoosh sandwiches have another leg up here: They’re easy to handle and won’t leave you searching for a bathroom to wash the dried ice cream off your hands. Avoid unnecessary messiness and do your sweet tooth a favor: Try Smoosh, and find yourself never setting foot in another conventional ice cream parlor again. 

— Samuel Mailey

Smoosh, 5410 Crossings Drive, Suite 102, Rocklin. 916-259-1575.