NITRO Cream ‘n Crumbz

C.R.E.A.M. ‘n Just Crumbz Leftover
NITRO Cream ‘n Crumbz, Middletown
July 2024

Straight up: This place is comically expensive.

I’m going to do something I never do off the bat: explain my brilliant title for those of you unfamiliar with the lyrical brilliance of The Wu-Tang Clan.

Cash Rules Everything Around Me
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar, dollar bill y’all

And after visiting here, you’ll have nothing left in your pockets but “Crumbz.” Indeed.

I’ve never been to Milkcraft and I doubt I will ever go to one, but this place is the same thing as Milkcraft. The only thing I’ve ever heard about Milkcraft is that it’s comically expensive and it’s very slow – and their gimmicky nitrogen machines either don’t work half the time or they emit noxious gases.

Good times at Milkcraft. Let’s see what NITRO says for itself.

Discover the essence of artisanal delight at Nitro Cream and Crumbz, where our focus is on crafting irresistible cookies and small batch ice cream. Each ingredient we meticulously select has its own unique story, reflecting our dedication to quality. We source our dairy products for our ice cream from Stearns Family Farm in Storrs CT, ensuring a fresh and flavorful experience with every bite. Our commitment extends to sustainability, with eco-friendly packaging choices and a pursuit of Non-GMO certification.

Cool. I could do without the “meticulously selected” ingredients thing. I mean, My towering cone had Reese’s Pieces and my son’s had a giant marshmallow and Hershey’s chips. I can’t imagine that took too much meticulousness.

Incidentally, you can get homemade ice cream made the old fashioned way up at The Red Barn Farm Stand and Creamery in Mansfield which… is literally Stearns Farm.

Simplicity is key to our approach. Our ingredient list consists of just butter, flour, sugar, vanilla, and eggs—simple, pronounceable ingredients that speak volumes about our dedication to quality. We draw inspiration from companies that share our values of excellence and responsibility. It’s not just about creating exceptional treats; it’s about doing so in a way that benefits the planet and our community. Join us at Nitro Cream and Crumbz to savor the difference firsthand.

Weird. Again, I had the “Peanut Butter Over Load” (sic) which is Reese’s Peanut Butter Ice Cream, Peanut Butter Chips, Crushed Reese’s, Reese’s Pieces Candy. Calvin had “Gimme S’more” which is chocolate-graham Cracker Ice Cream, Mini Marshmallows, Hershey Chocolate Chunks, Graham Cracker Dust, and Toasted Marshmallow.

Li’l more than just those “pronounceable ingredients” I’m afraid.

It’s a cute shop. We were fortunate to visit when no one was in line, so it “only” took 15 minutes to make our ice cream. I’m sorry, this whole “making ice cream in front of you using liquid nitrogen thing” is so dumb to me. What’s the point of it?

It is claimed that because the quick freezing process creates smaller ice crystals while incorporating more air into the ice cream which is said to result in a smoother, creamier ice cream. Nah. It’s just dumb theater for no reason.

In my uncultured opinion.

Both of our cones were “specialty cones” and our total with tax was like 23 bucks. Granted, we were both stuffed – I didn’t even finish mine – and you can get regular scoops for nine dollars. LOL.

The owners own Sicily Coal Fired Pizza next door. I have no idea if that’s any good or if they make their pizza dough using some kooky insta-proofing method for their dough.

Other customers did come in after us but I can’t imagine this place lasts very long with their prices. (Google reviews and Yelp! suggest differently though. Everyone loves this place!)

Our treats were absolutely delicious for sure. No complaints there… Nitro also has their own cookies for sale at five bucks a pop, but we had no need for them. Calvin himself bakes what are likely better cookies. (And even he thought it was too expensive and that the wait was way too long.)

It’s cool they use Storrs milk. It’s cool they’re part of Middletown’s revival. It’s cool our desserts were delicious. But it’s just way too gimmicky and expensive for me, sorry.

Nitro Cream ‘n Crumbz
CTMQ’s Homemade Ice Cream Trail