Chocolate Almond Frozen Custard is a Rochester flavor favorite that has been around since the 194
0’s at the old Don and Bob’s restaurants on Monroe Avenue and Sea Breeze. Don Barbato was the original owner and after selling the business, is now the namesake for both Don’s Original family owned locations. He was adamant about using the best ingredients, recipes, customer service and consistent quality. The frozen custard served today is the same recipe that Don created from the beginning.
The difference between frozen custard and ice cream is the higher percentage of butterfat and egg yolks which give frozen custard a thick, creamy texture and a smoother consistency than ice cream. Don’s Original starts with a local diary cooperative’s custard mix, adds European chocolate and finally the coarsely chopped butter salted almonds that are interspersed in the custard so you get almonds in every bite or lick.
I grew up devouring their ground round burgers and fries and for dessert, a Chocolate Almond cone. Those memories are vivid and with this heat in town, I had to revisit and headed to the Penfield location.
In 2002, long time employees, John and Karen Cipro, opened Don’s Original in Penfield, as owners of this new location. They’ve worked together for over 30 years where they share responsibilities for the front and back of the house. “We wanted to create a family friendly environment and are proud sponsors of several little league, high school, and adult baseball teams.” In 2007, they added the Pub, a sports bar serving an extended menu with adult beverages available for enjoyment.
After chowing down on french fries with hot sauce, which I wrote about in an earlier post and can’t get enough of, I ordered the custard.
My memories were refreshed with the chocolate almost malty softly frozen flavor with the satisfying sweet-salt tastes the crunchy almonds add to the custard.
Both the Seabreeze and Penfield locations have Chocolate Almond plus other flavors available, but do yourself a favor and get this one. It’s a major winner.
Opinions of the author are her own and products were purchased for discussion. I welcome your comments and suggestions for food and specialty items from upstate New York and can be reached at: linda@anexpatreturns.com
