Unique Sweets Season 5 Episode 9 Ice Cream Nation

In the ninth episode of season 5 of Unique Sweets, titled "Ice Cream Nation," viewers are taken on a journey to explore some of the most unique and innovative ice cream flavors and creations across the United States. Throughout the episode, host Zac Young visits various ice cream shops and parlors, chatting with owners and chefs about their inspiration for creating such delicious and unique sweet treats.

The episode opens with a visit to Valhalla Bakery in Orlando, Florida, where they serve up vegan soft-serve ice cream with toppings like homemade hot fudge, vegan gummy bears, and even vegan bacon bits. Zac meets with the bakery's owner, Celine Duvoisin, who explains that she created Valhalla Bakery as a way to provide tasty treats for people with dietary restrictions and allergies, all while using mostly organic and natural ingredients.

Next up, Zac travels to the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop in New York City, which has become famous for their creative and playful take on ice cream. From the Salty Pimp, which features a dulce de leche-filled cone dipped in chocolate and sea salt, to the Bea Arthur, a vanilla and dulce de leche swirl with crushed Nilla Wafers, their flavors are anything but ordinary. Doug Quint and Bryan Petroff, the owners of the shop, chat with Zac about their journey into the ice cream business and how they have stayed true to themselves in a constantly changing market.

Zac then heads to San Francisco to visit the Ice Cream Bar, where they specialize in handcrafted classics, including egg creams and old-fashioned soda fountain drinks. The shop's owner, Juliet Pries, explains that she was inspired to open the shop after stumbling upon an old-fashioned soda fountain while traveling in the Midwest. With a focus on using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, the Ice Cream Bar offers unique ice cream flavors such as Mendocino Coast Sea Salt Caramel and Fresh Peppermint Chip.

In Portland, Oregon, Zac visits one of the city's oldest ice cream shops, Salt & Straw. Founded in 2011, Salt & Straw prides itself on using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients in their small-batch ice cream creations. Flavors range from the classic Double Fold Vanilla to the unique Arbequina Olive Oil, which incorporates olive oil sourced from California's Central Valley. Kim Malek, the co-founder of Salt & Straw, talks to Zac about their passion for supporting the local community and their commitment to creating ice cream that is both delicious and responsibly sourced.

Lastly, Zac visits Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in Columbus, Ohio, which has become a nationwide sensation since its opening in 2002. Every flavor at Jeni's is crafted with unique and flavorful ingredient combinations, such as Lemon Buttermilk Frozen Yogurt with Blueberries and Brown Butter Almond Brittle. Founder Jeni Britton Bauer talks with Zac about how she got her start in the ice cream business and how she has continued to grow her brand while staying true to her values of using natural and high-quality ingredients.

Overall, "Ice Cream Nation" is a fun and indulgent episode of Unique Sweets that showcases some of the most creative, delicious, and unique ice cream flavors and businesses across the United States. From vegan soft-serve to egg creams and old-fashioned soda fountain drinks, there is sure to be a sweet treat for every ice cream lover to enjoy.