Jeff and Jackie Meyerson arrived in Western New York hungry for PIZZA JUNCTION pizza. As most of know, PIZZA JUNCTION was featured on The Food Network’s DINERS, DRIVE-INS & DIVES hosted by Guy Fieri. Diane and I picked the Meyersons up at the Marriott and headed for North Tonawanda. Of course, the pizza was great as was the conversation. We found out that New York City (which I thought had EVERYTHING) does not have world-class frozen custard. And Jackie really wanted to taste some great frozen custard. Fortunately, Western New York has some wonderful frozen custard places. So it was back in the Rogue and we headed off to Lewiston, NY where Hibbard’s Custard is a local landmark. We enjoyed the frozen custard! Diane and I brought Art Scott, another frozen custard devotee, to Hibbard’s when he visited a couple years ago. On Monday, we might be bringing Patti and Phil Abbott to Hibbard’s if they’re in the mood for a frozen delight.
George, I’m guessing that’s you standing in the background?
You’re guessing right, Drongo. Too bad my new knee didn’t make it into the photo.
I want it all, the Pizza Junction pizza and the frozen custard. I’ve never had frozen custard, is it like frozen yogurt? That I have had. Especially the pizza! Great to see Jeff and Jackie, too. Be sure and say “hi” to Patti and Phil.
Come visit Western NY and we’ll take you to PIZZA JUNCTION and go get frozen custard, too, Rick. Frozen custard is 1000 times better than frozen yogurt. We’ll be taking Jeff, Jackie, Patti, and Phil out to dinner tomorrow. And, we may go for more frozen custard. I think Jackie is addicted.
Thanks a heap, George. I just started dieting yesterday and don’t eat good stuff like that now. You’re killing me.
The same goes for you, Bob. If you visit Western NY, the pleasures of PIZZA JUNCTION and frozen custard are waiting for you.
Rick, I’m astonished that you never encountered frozen custard. I guess it’s a seasonal, middle America, climate-specific phenomenon that never took root on the West Coast. Growing up in Cleveland, f.c. was one of the things that made the steamy summers bearable. The roadside stands would open in May and close in September. The best in Cleveland – even better than Hibbard’s – was Soeder’s, only available at the Indians ballpark and Euclid Beach amusement park. There’s a famous f.c. place in St Louis – Ted Drewes – which we hope to sample next month during Bouchercon.
Like you, Art, I’m astonished at the number of people who have never tasted frozen custard. Diane and I are looking forward to visiting Ted Drewes with you and Beth!
Any vacation that includes custard has to be fun.
Diane must be taking the picture.
Hope you all had a good time.
We’re going to have another good time tonight with the Meyersons and the Abbotts, Beth. You’re right about Diane taking the picture. She’s the Official Photographer of the Kelley Family.
I think the only time I had it was in Wisconsin, while visiting our mutual friend there. Not a Northwest item.
I suspect Beth is a frozen custard fan, too, Bob. Phil and Patti Abbott tasted frozen custard last night and loved it!
Great photo!
Diane gets all the photo credits, Bill.
And for some reason, although I am lactose intolerant, that magical frozen custard (black raspberry) did not give me a stomach ache and in fact, I drifted off to sleep full of good thoughts about the Kelleys and the Meyersons and on a sugar/cream cloud. Thanks again, George. See you in St. Louis.
I told you that frozen custard was a little bit of heaven, Patti. Glad you enjoyed it! We’re looking forward to having more adventures with you and Phil in St. Louis!
George cleverly took us to a really good Italian restaurant directly across the road from Hibbard’s on Monday, so we stuffed ourselves with pasta and then got some exercise by walking across the road for frozen custard. (I had a combo of chocolate and kahlua).
As always, George and Diane were gracious hosts and we all had a great time.
George (and Patti): yesterday we went to a mall (surprise, right?) to kill time before our trip home and Jackie found another custard place called (wait for it) Abbott’s! (You’ll have to take a picture there next time, Patti.)
This one said it’s been there since 1902 (Hibbard’s says 1939), and while tasty was not as good as Hibbard’s.
Hibbard’s is the Gold Standard for frozen custard around here, Jeff. There are other custard places of varying quality. Abbotts is good, but not great.