Summertime Splurge: Ice Cream at The Chocolate Bar

Whether it is an innate physiological response to the sweltering heat or a more shallow desire to look good while lounging poolside, people have a tendency to eat lighter during the simmering months of summer. But this rule of thumb excludes ice cream.

So despite my recent healthful eating kick, I eagerly walked into the Chocolate Bar in (2521 University Blvd) to consume a rich cup of the frozen stuff. Christy behind the counter patiently allowed me to try flavor after flavor. It was nearly impossible to decide between the selection of amazing offerings including the Candylicious Junkyard (Twix, Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, Milky Way, and Nestle's Crunch all blended with luscious white chocolate ice cream), the Chocolate Banana Pudding, and the Night and Day (a delicious take on chocolate chip).

I settled on a small cup with one scoop of Totally Nuts (decadent chocolate ice cream blended with cashews, pistachios, almonds, pecans, macadamia and walnuts) and one scoop of The Chocolate Bar's top seller, Creamy Dreamy Truffle. Let me just say that Creamy Dreamy Truffle surpasses any chocolate ice cream I have ever tasted.

Described as "a chocolate lover's dream," it consists of The Chocolate Bar's signature triple cream chocolate truffles blended into exquisitely creamy chocolate ice cream. I love some nutty ice cream, but those big chunks of truffle made the Creamy Dreamy the clear winner.

A small two-scoop cup will cost you $3.25. The richness of this treat makes even the small size ideal for sharing -- perfect for indulging without going overboard.