David and Laura Alima may have traveled the world—from Vermont to Vietnam—taste-testing ice cream flavors before opening The Charmery in Hampden, but many of their flavors have a decidedly down-home feel. We’re talking Maryland Mud, Zeke’s Coffee, Lemon Stick Sorbet and, of course, Berger Cookies and Cream. After trying out many variations with Old Bay, including an Old Bay Dark Chocolate that made David wince, he landed on Old Bay Caramel, which is one of their best sellers. “The greatest comment I’ve gotten so far is it’s
disturbingly delicious,” he says.
The couple makes their ice cream daily using locally sourced fruit and cream they bring in from Trickling Springs Creamery in Pennsylvania. What they don’t use—any artificial flavors or colors. (“The pistachio is green-ish,” says David, who studied at Frozen Dessert Institute in St. Louis.)
The current menu also includes shakes, sundaes, floats, homemade sodas and even vegan sorbets. But stay tuned for signature hot chocolate, fresh whipped cream and exotically flavored marshmallows to arrive well in time for the lights on 34th Street. 801 W. 36th St., 410-814-0493, http://www.thecharmery.com
— MARISSA HILL DUNN
