Seeking ice cream

Although it was a bit cooler today than it has been (31°C/87°F), the humidity has increased tenfold.  As we walked around the neighborhood today, I sometimes felt like I was wading through soup.  Sweat dripping from me as I walk at a slow pace does not have me appreciating the cooler temperature. 

We were meeting our new Canadian neighbor for lunch.  Since we were already out and about, we were planning to beeline to the local Baskin Robbins for some ice cream after our meal.  It is how we roll in the August heat - constantly cool down with cold treats!

My neighbor and I chatted as long as we could in the restaurant, until my son declared his readiness to go to our next destination.  Frankly, we were all looking forward to some ice cream.  We wandered across the promenade to find a sign on the door.  Baskin Robbins was closed for the day!  What???  The sign did not elaborate on the reason for the enclosure.  In fact, half of the shopping center was closed!  We guessed that the businesses were giving the employees a holiday following Obon, since all of the shops were open during the festivities.

Our plans thwarted, we would not go away empty handed.  We headed back to the other side of the promenade to have drinks and cake at Doutor.  It is nothing fancy, in fact it is a chain café, but it was cold.

Back at home, my son expressed his disappointment about not having ice cream today.  I totally understood since I had told him he would be able to choose an ice cream from 31 varieties.  I'm sure it was quite enticing for him, only to be dashed due to unforeseen circumstances. 

I raided our freezer knowing we had Haagen Dazs.  The famous brand has taken its cues from many other popular companies, like Kit Kat and Pringles, offering the Japanese public lots of special flavors only available in Japan. 

Most Haagen Dazs is found in individual size cups, another Japanese twist as individual portions reign supreme.  I think the only time I've seen pints is at Costco!

Over time, we've enjoyed lots of unusual flavors.  My top two, by far, have been the matcha and cookies (a twist on the classic cookies and cream) and the yuzu blanc manger (blanc manger is a milk gelatin).  My family loves the tea flavors and we usually have one of two of these in our freezer at any time.

My son dug into the panna cotta & raspberry ice cream following his dinner.  His ice cream craving was satisfied.  In a land where there are lots of foods we simply go without satiating (Mexican, Greek, and so much more), it is nice to have this cold treat - especially on hot and humid days.