Here at the Armijo Signal, each journalist is entitled to the type of article they would like to write. I have done a multitude of burger reviews, to the point where I believe I lack the vocabulary finesse to explain the subtle differences between these burgers, assuming they are all quality places, of course. As such, though Fentons may very well be known for their sandwiches, I will instead be reviewing their dessert offerings, predominantly the ice cream that they are also known for.

Located at 1663 E Monte Vista Avenue in Vacaville, Fentons is named as a creamery first, rather than a traditional restaurant. They serve breakfast, consisting of sandwiches, various cooked eggs, and pancakes. They also have a lunch/dinner menu with chicken strips, burgers, and salads among their listings. They offer a grand total of 56 ice cream flavors, 18 of them seasonal. The price range is $11-$30, making them a relatively affordable option.

Displayed on the inside, an illustration of the characters from Pixar’s acclaimed film Up appears. This is because a scene after the main event features the characters eating ice cream at a Fentons store. Naturally this led to an increase of customers around the intended age range.

Upon looking away, the inside is separated, the entrance having an ice cream bar featuring the menu and an assortment of flavors for the customer to look at, and the dining area, a relatively large room with the kitchen on the back end, and the tables placed around as though it was a formal event. Though it is not the focus of this review, let it be known that the food they serve is grandiose in presentation, and high in quantity.

Our interests reach their destination at the ice cream menu. Alongside the overwhelming amount of flavors available to one, they are also served in nearly as many varieties. Banana splits that have different ice cream flavors, accompanied with nuts and fruits. A multi-layer ice cream cake featuring all the berry flavors, a hot brownie trapped beneath two scoops of either vanilla or chocolate chip, layered with hot fudge and more nuts, and so on and so forth. Sundaes are available, able to be customized to your heart’s content.

The questions remains, just how good is the ice cream? To which I respond with a resounding “Radical!” I have tried their ice cream in two forms, void of topping to taste the base flavor without any interference, scoops and milkshake. In scoop form, the ice cream seems to have been plucked from an advertisement, as the shape is round and appealing, with no sign of melting anywhere. Regarding consistency, it possess an appealing rigidity, allowing it to be bitten with a fair bit of resistance, an excellent quality for those who enjoy chewing their ice cream, though it is soft enough to not require any extraordinary effort to consume. Served at a low temperature, the ice cream exudes an aura of frost around it, ensuring maximum durability against the overbearing summer heat. In fact, one’s tongue could experience a temporary sticking upon first taste, though it doesn’t last long enough to cause any significant discomfort. As for the flavor itself, it feels pure. If flavor could be represented, the ice cream would taste very close to it. None of the flavors feel off, a rich flavor accompanies all of them, none seem bland or tasteless. A sharp sort of flavor that makes the devourer aware of exactly the flavor.

Some flavors even come with additional ingredients, such as cookie dough, nuts, or chocolate chips. In general, each of them is quite good. In particular, I have a history with the cookie dough in milkshakes, as I find it immensely enjoyable to finish the drink and eat the rest with a spoon, a two-for-one, as I would put it. Each contains a satisfying toughness that makes itself known, it must be bitten or such. Such an action brings a smile to my face, as it breaks up the monotony of a singular flavor, replacing it for a short time with something else.

The medium in which one chooses to consume the ice cream affects the experience they might have. If you were to order a scoop or so in a cup or a cone, the aforementioned rigidity, durability, and temperature will hit you. Like a dance in a ball, the ice cream is your partner, you must guide yourself through the necessary steps to reach the desired goal, in this case, enjoyment of the ice cream. It does not submit to your will easily, and you must increase your tenacity on the ice cream to enjoy it to the fullest.

However, a far different medium is available for the lax among you. It is an option to serve the ice cream as a milkshake. Unlike the solid scoop, the ice cream has been grounded to a softer liquid, permitting easier consumption. Unlike a dance where both partners must synchronize their movements in tandem, the milkshake lies more closely to a lazy river. Drinking it requires little effort, as the milkshake slowly guides you to the end, requesting nothing from the consumer. A slow drift into the end in a way.

After all has been said and done, I would put Fentons ice cream as certainly worth a try. While the definition of a perfect ice cream differs from each individual, I believe that it ranks up high in general among all ice cream desserts. If there is a desire to try out ice cream, and the time is available, Fentons is highly recommended as a top tier creamery.