So who nabbed the first spot in the ‘That’s What He/She Said’ corner? The man who keeps the Jozi masses happy with his sweet flavour combinations. Yup, Mr Paul Ballen aka The Ice-Cream King. I bombarded the ruling monarch of all things cold & dairy with a batch of questions two days before he wrote his final exam. Shame. But bless him for getting them done. OK so this is what The Ice-Cream King had to say to…
Q: Paul Ballen we all know that you are ice-cream royalty round these parts – The Ice-Cream King of Jozi in fact. Would you like that title to one day include the world?
A: ICE CREAM KING OF THE WORLD sounds pretty good to me.
Q: Why did you choose to rule the roost in the world of ice-cream? Why not say cupcakes or even fudge? Do you not like cupcakes or fudge?
A: Well, I’m half American & half South African. For as long as I can remember, I’ve travelled to New York city during the hot summer months. I was always amazed in the ice-cream stores and the huge selections they had and how it was such a part of every day life. I became aware that South Africa seemed to lack quality ice-cream and I always wondered what the reasons for this were. For my 21st birthday, my mom bought be a simple ice-cream machine. I soon started mastering the art of ice-cream making, perfecting my custard and experimenting with interesting flavour combinations. It was an extremely creative process and I got great positive feedback for the ice-cream I was creating. I wanted to educate people on what real ice-cream should taste like and that people should eat quality instead of the horrible stuff they buy in supermarkets.
I don’t hate fudge or cupcakes but I just like ice-cream better! WAIT, what about cupcakes and fudge in ice-cream?
Q: How has ice-cream changed your life?
A: Ice-cream & Me is what a cone is to ice-cream. People now introduce me as “that guy who makes ice-cream”. My life would probably be quite different if I hadn’t received that 21st birthday present. I’ve gained exposure in running a small business, using social media to promote and sell a product and have had to hone my creativity to create interesting flavours.
Q: If we were to perhaps *stalk* !follow! you on a particular morning in Jozi Town… where would we see The Ice-Cream King & would he be sipping a caffeine beverage?
A: Well I’ve been a full time business school student this year, so you wouldn’t really be able to follow me around because I’d probably be sitting in a lecture. However, some of my favourite coffee spots are 4th Avenue Coffee Roasters, Bean There, Love Food, Wolves Cafe and I love the Braamfontein’s beautiful new Father Coffee.
Q: I know some of Paul’s Homemade Ice-*dream* flavours have included ‘Cereal Milk’ & ‘Cinnamon Toast’…. Pretty funky, some would even call these rockstar type flavours… How do you go about picking your flavour combos & which has been your favourite so far?
A: My flavours are the result of lots of thinking, internet searching, book paging or sometimes just the result of creating flavours from ingredients I have in my kitchen. I have different tastes but some of my favourites have been: Green tea & White Chocolate, Hazelnut & Straciatella, Butter Popcorn, White Rabbit, Maple Syrup & Caramalized Pecan.
Q: Do you have application forms available for an official ice-cream tasting panel? Would you ever consider this?
A: I’ve thought about it before. Usually I just get friends and family involved but I must consider this!
Q: For those who don’t know where they can stock up on some of Paul’s Homemade ice-*dream* goodness- please enlighten the masses now… & go
A: Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream (90 ml) tubs are available from Wolves Cafe & Love Food Cafe. If you would like a big tub or special flavour, please feel free to contact me.
Q: Lastly, is there anything super fantastic & exciting happening with you & your ice-cream that we should know about? We heard something about a waffle day….
A: YES! Ice Cream & Waffle Day! In the past I’ve held these to gather people together and give them the chance to try my ice cream if they haven’t already done ! Watch my twitter timeline for updates…
Thanks for all the ice-cream chit chat Mr ‘Your Ice-Cream Majesty’ – super rad for a Friday. Oh & remember you promised to make a Salty flavour just for us… Maybe Salty Caramel OR Salty Chocolate OR Salty something. We’ll remind you before you make your next batch.
Follow Mr Paul Ballen on the Tweeeeter for updates on the funky monthly flavours @Paul_Ballen or @Ice_Cream_King
OR
Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pauls-Homemade-Ice-Cream/140720879312226?fref=ts
OR
Catch him on his blog http://paulshomemadeicecream.wordpress.com/ to follow his ice-cream vibe.
Because… That’s What He Said
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