I scream, you scream
New Thai-style ice cream shop rolls into prime downtown location
The latest scoop on Austin’s ice cream scene doesn’t actually involve scoops at all. A new shop, the appropriately named Frozen Rolls Creamery, is shaping up for a January 11 opening at 704 N. Lamar Blvd. in the former home of Tops Kitchens and Baths.
According to a release, the shop specializes in rolled ice cream, the Thai street food that has swept the United States over the past few years. Owners Warren and Kathy, who only use their first names, hope to put a new twist on the popular desserts by using locally sourced dairy and fruits.
For those who haven’t seen the many photos on foodie Instagram accounts, the frosty treats are made by pouring the base liquid and other flavorings onto a chilled, flat metal surface, or anti-griddle. Once frozen, other ingredients are worked into the mix and spread into a thin sheet before prep staff carefully scrapes the ice cream into tight rolls and customizes it with a variety of drizzles and toppings.
The flavors offer something for everyone. Kids will likely flock to the Strawberry Smash with Graham crackers, s’mores with marshmallows and fudge, or cookies ’n’ cream with Oreos, although the purple ube (Japanese yam) rolled with rainbow Fruity Pebbles cereal may be hard to resist. The shop also carries some less common flavors, like mango and chili powder, black sesame, spirulina with blueberries, and coconut ash with toasted coconut flakes.
The add-ons range from sugary toppings like sprinkles, gummy bears, cupcake bites, and milk chocolate fudge to fresher options like blueberries, strawberries, and bananas. In the release, Warren says that none of the fruit is frozen. In fact, the shop doesn’t have a freezer at all.
In addition to the ice cream, Frozen Rolls also carries a selection of drinks, all made in house. Choices include matcha lattes, Arnold Palmers, jasmine milk tea, and sweet Thai tea.
During the soft opening period will keep limited hours of Monday through Thursday, 2-8 pm; Friday, 3-9 pm; Saturday, noon-9 pm; and Sunday, noon-8 pm. The grand opening date has not been established yet, but guests should go sooner than later. For a limited time, Frozen Rolls is offering unlimited toppings and drizzles free of charge.
