Ice cream, gelato and frozen yogurt. They aren’t only desserts. In the heat of summer they are links to fond memories and catalysts for fun new events. Though eating from the carton in your own kitchen can be satisfying, searching out the perfect frozen dessert shop can be even more rewarding. If you know where to go, frozen treats can be not only food, but an experience.
Sweet Papaya Self Serve Frozen Yogurt is newly opened on 1134 Lancaster Drive NE, in the same building as Starbucks. There are two unique things about Sweet Papaya: the ‘self-serve’ aspect, and the large bounty provided from which to do it. Customers choose from a wall of 16 frozen yogurt dispensers, almost all of which are non- or low-fat, two of which are no-sugar-added. Taste-wise, the yogurt itself is not terribly noticeable. But it is meant to be a vehicle for toppings, and it does this very well. Sweet Papaya offers an impressive buffet of options. Customers serve themselves, choosing to be either dietary saints or sinners, with fresh papaya, granola and kiwi, or every candy and cookie imaginable. The store is bright and clean, with sunny atrium seating. Each dish of yogurt costs 0.39 an ounce. Beware of how easy it is to take too much, thanks to the one size of cup offered: large. Sweet Papaya is ideal for calorie counters, picky eaters, and large groups.
Napoleon’s Gelato is located in the Reed Opera House on Liberty. Gelato is the trendier, slightly healthier Italian cousin of ice cream, usually made with less butterfat and sugar. The result, at Napoleon’s, is a display case filled with delicately colored tubs of creamy temptation. In their small, atmospheric, French-inspired shop, Napoleon’s offers unique and ever-changing flavors, such as lavender honey and birthday cake. At least one sugar/dairy free option is always available. Small cups are $3.25, large $5.25. Napoleon’s is recommended for people who like a little delicacy in their desserts.
Lil Dipper Ice Cream is so far the sweetest addition to the rejuvenation of Monmouth’s Main Street. Set directly across from Main Street Park, Lil Dipper is a simple ice cream shop, without need of any retro themes or modern stream-lining. The décor is simply cheerful bright yellow paint, and some tables and chairs. Lil Dipper stocks fun and traditional Blue Bunny flavors, from peppermint to cotton candy, as well as low-sugar and low-fat options. Cones, shakes and sundaes are all available for small-town prices. Lil Dipper is worth the trip for ice cream lovers, and anyone who wants to sweeten the experience of a small-town afternoon.
