Subzero Review
As I have mentioned in a previous post, some weeks Brad and I take turns picking a new restaurant to try and we do not tell each other the restaurant until we arrive. Last Friday we tried a local Italian restaurant. After dinner, I surprised Brad by taking him to another new place, Subzero. We have passed by this ice cream/yogurt shop many times, but honestly, we assumed it was your stereotypical frozen yogurt shop. I did some research on it. It actually is more of an experience than just a fix some yogurt and add some toppings place.
When you first arrive, you walk up and can view the menu. This shop gives you the ability to build your own ice cream. It is a five step process:
Step 1: Pick your size. They have four sizes: Kids, Small, Regular, Large. The sign says that the Kids size is for 12 and under, but we've ordered it before without problem. (We have been three times in a week!)
Step 2: Pick your base. This determines your consistency. We usually pick premium because this is your typical ice cream base. You can also select a healthier base if you wish.
Step 3: Pick your flavor. You can have as many flavors as you desire. I have not tried more than two combined. I have tried cheesecake, strawberry and white chocolate, chocolate and marshmallow. Brad has had marshmallow and also bubble gum (the bubble gum as awful!).
Step 4: Pick your add-ins. Your first one is free. This is where you can get really creative.
Step 5: Pick your "Chill Factor". Do you want it to be soft serve? rock hard? You get to decide!
So once you have customized your ice cream, they chill it right in front of you. They use liquid nitrogen to freeze your ice cream to the exact consistency you request. Then you receive your ice cream and pay the cashier!
I think this is a really neat experience. The ice cream is delicious and watching them make it is really fun. This is a chain, so even if you do not live in the Huntsville area, you may have one near you! If you have kids, I definitely recommend taking them. The only negative about this type of ice cream shop is that it is not super quick. Since they are making the ice cream fresh for you, it takes a bit of time. The first night we went, we were served super quick because there were only two people in front of us. The second time we went we waited probably 15 minutes or so. First off, there was a group of children ordering ice cream whose parents had quite a few coupons, then there were two more people in front of us. So we were about 8 deep. They also did not seem prepared to have that kind of rush and the employees were struggling to complete the orders. It looked to me like some employees were on break and they just were not expecting such a rush. I am sure during the warmer months, they are more prepared for crowds.
We typically pay around $10 for two small ice creams with just the standard mix in. They also offer different "Sensation Combos" which are pre-determined ingredients. You still get to pick your base and chill factor. It also comes with a waffle bowl. It is slightly more expensive, but you get numerous mix-ins. They have a reward program that offers discounts on future orders. Ours also offered military discounts. It also looks like they offer specials during the week, so just keep a lookout on their Facebook or Twitter pages for your local shop.
See below for some pictures!