Rock Stone Ice Cream Factory, Anna Nagar (3/5)

Chennai, after Bangalore and Hyderabad seems to have recently undergone an invasion of cold-stone ice cream joints. 

Personally, being a fan of cold stone ice creams I couldn't miss this one and decided to try it out during my weekend trip home.

Ambience (2.5/5)

Benchmarking it to its peers, I feel the ambience is less appealing. But on a standalone judgement they might not fair too bad. 

The ice cream sandwiches and bars which were stored in the refrigerators did not look inviting. 

Pricing (4/5)

They are priced reasonable and two large sundaes cost us 350 odd. Thats reasonable especially considering the pricing of competitors. 

Service (3/5)

The ice creams were served pretty quick. The staff could however be better equipped in guiding customers with the selection; especially considering their extensive offering. 

Ice creams (3/5)

1. Rock with Ferrero rocher

Even though it might not figure in my list of favourite cold stone ice creams, this was definitely good stuff. 

2. Oreo double double

A complete contrast to the previous order. The ice cream was too sweet and had nothing oreo about it. Would not recommend this order. 

Another competitive addition to Anna Nagar ice creams and desserts scene.

Milano Ice Cream, Indira Nagar (4.5/5)

Never been a fan of gelato ice creams, but this place is gonna be an exception. 

They have some interesting options- chocolatey, fruity and otherwise. I sampled their extra dark, tender coconut, hazelnut and truffle flavours. Liked extra dark and hazlenut best. 

My order was a whiskey flavoured ice cream cake. It had strong flavours of whiskey and was among the best liquor flavoured desserts I have had.  

Ambience: the outlet is well maintained and has neat and tidy interiors. Except a wasp which strayed its way in during our visit- there is nothing I can complain about the ambience. 

Service: the staff are friendly and enthusiastic to serve the customers. Those are just the right characteristics required for a front ended selling job. 

Pricing: the pricing is moderate. We had 5 scoops of ice creams and one ice cream cake - it cost us around INR. 500 (not sure of exact amount). 

Definitely going back!

Cream Stone, Alwarpet (4/5)

2010- the first time I visited cream stone - in hypercity at Hyderabad. After a full meal I had ordered a willy wonka for self and I remember this to be one of the best ice creams I have ever had- the quantity was extremely overwhelming and the richness of the chocolate almost knocked me out.

Ever since, have recommended this ice cream to everybody who visited Hyderabad. I was extremely delighted when it opened in Bangalore and Chennai, that too in neighbourhoods I frequent. Finally got to relive willy wonka at the Alwarpet outlet yesterday.

Despite being a huge fan- tried to not expect too much considering I have had most of the better ice creams in the five years that followed my first round of willy wonka. However, this ice cream was definitely as good as I remembered and still finds a place in the list of best chocolate ice creams for me. Ordered a choco-reo to follow up and that was quite delicious as well.

Among other offerings, tried Belgium royal, dry fruit delight and fresh fruit and nuts. Relatively. these three were just ok.

Presentation is an area for improvement.

Ambience (3/5)
Themed in pink (I am sorry- my color palates does not include too many colors- so please don't judge me if am wrong)- the outlet had extensive seating space. The seating arrangement is not too comfortable and the circular wall corner tables are not easy to sit around.

The outlet has valet parking but it's not available during all working hours. Parking could be a constraint if you are driving down.

Service (4/5)
The staff are extremely courteous and brisk in their service. The ice creams are delivered pretty quick and the tables also are cleared without delays.

Pricing (4/5)
The pricing is nominal and relatively cheaper when compared to the other cold stone ice cream joints.

Must visit for their chocolate ice creams.

Natural Ice Cream, Indira Nagar (4/5)

Ever since I moved to Bangalore from Chennai I have been wondering why is a 'Naturals Ice Cream Parlour' so highly rated. Only today did I realise that this is not the chain you find across Chennai but a Bombay based ice cream chain that serves unique fruity flavours. 

Ice creams (4.5/5)

Was here as a result of a serious dessert craving and decided to try out why this place was hyped so much. Checked a few review and based on several recommendations decided to check out the tender coconut flavour. This was a classic and nothing like I have ever eaten before. Loved it! 

Also tried their mango ice cream in a waffle cone. The cone was fresh and crispy (not a big fan of waffle cones- but surprisingly liked this). The mango ice cream was thick and had rich flavours. 

Sampled the following flavors:

- jackfruit : have never tried a jackfruit ice cream before and if I would ever crave for it - this would be the place to try it. 

- malai khurma: was unique and something I might wanna try during my next visit

- chocolate fruit and nut: didn't quite like it due to the overpowering taste of cocoa. 

Pricing (4.5/5)

The ice creams are quite cheap and affordable. The tender coconut cup cost me INR. 55 and the waffle mango flavor cost me INR.65 (inference is waffle costs ten bucks). The portions are quite small, but that gives room for trying more than one flavor in a visit. 

Service 

The outlet follows a self service model and you need to bill before you collect the ice cream. Nothing to comment on the service otherwise. 

Ambience (3.5/5)

Not much to glorify in terms of ambience. Considering the economical pricing - ambience need not necessarily be a judging criteria. 

However, there is inadequate chairs and seating space and would best recommend a take away or to eat in your parked cars. Car parking could also be an issue on busy days. 

Must try if you wish to have FRUITY ICE-CREAMS!