At the start of the summer, I found myself in the Grand Canyon State. Why? Because I traveled there, dummy! I am an adult who makes choices.
Now, where was I? Arizona! Pay attention. I went to visit some Phoenician friends who just had a baby. These friends have supported this blog from the start—if memory serves, they were there for the first outing in 2018. So I was absolutely tickled when they recommended we end the night with some ice cream from one of their favorite spots.
I could tell this place was both “hip” and “happening” because the line was massive. Easily the longest line for ice cream I’ve had to sit through since the pandemic (minus the line at the Tillamook Cheese Factory). And though the sun was set, the “dry heat” was still a little uncomfortable.
Walking through the doors, I was met with a strong HVAC system that, ironically, melted all of my discomfort away. And then I saw what we all wanted me to see: the sundae menu.
There were a few options that are genuinely not worth remembering. I set my sights on what allured me most: S’Mores.
We’ve consumed s’more/s’more adjacent sundaes before, but this one came recommended by my pal, O. And he spilled his hack: get the peanut butter ice cream instead of the chocolate.
A simple, yet essential addition. It’s like when you make a s’more with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup instead of a Hershey’s for the first time—it’s simply the superior treat (sorry, KWN).
But enough patting ourselves on the back, let’s get to the review.
Quality of Fudge
The fudge was both real fudge and real hot. I assume the temperature is easier to maintain in Phoenix. They just keep the pot on the sidewalk, next to their fried eggs.
Quality of Toppings
No nuts or cherries for this slightly unconventional sundae. Instead, they are replaced by graham crackers and toasted marshmallow fluff. The graham crackers, while perhaps a little soggy on the side that touches the ice cream, were a must to bring this whole symphony together.
But don’t think for a second that those crackers outshined the toasted marshmallow fluff. I believe I’ve gone on record saying that marshmallow fluff is overrated. And perhaps that is true if it remains untoasted. But put that sucker under a blow torch? It transforms into pure decadence.
Level of Comfort Ordering a Hot Fudge Sundae
For this sundae? Just fine. Some of their other sundaes had less-than-appetizing names (Fat Elvis, Kitchen Sink). I get what they’re going for, but it’s the same energy as when you tried to order the more risque-sounding items off the Jamba Juice secret menu. While some of those flavors sounded tantalizing, I would not be caught dead trying to order those names (censoring in case my grandmother reads this).
Would I Rather Get a McDonald’s Hot Fudge Sundae?
No way. I really can’t oversell the toasted marshmallow fluff NOR the switch to peanut butter ice cream. This ruled. Both a gastronomical and emotional treat to put the proverbial cherry on top to my visit to Phoenix.
Final Score: 9.3/10
Hot for Fudge 