The Scoop: Verde budino pops
Four years ago, Philly foodies declared Barbuzzos budino the citys best dessert, ever.
The deal: Four years ago, Philly foodies declared Barbuzzo's budino the city's best dessert, ever. How popular? Chef Marcie Turney's Italian caramel pudding with a chocolate cookie crumb base and a salted caramel sauce in a li'l Ball jar has sold 100,000 times.
In summer, Turney and partner Val Safran turn their restaurant-reservation-required delight into a frozen takeout treat. Crowds follow.
Where: Verde, 108 S. 13th St., 215-546-8700, verdephiladelphia.com.
When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays through August.
We tried: This upscale dipped-to-order confection. Frankly, it looked a lot like a chunky version of the Good Humor original. Then, we bit in. Into a dark chocolate shell sprinkled with sea salt and slightly perfumed with coconut. Into frozen caramel pudding with a core of salted caramel and chocolate cookie crumbs around a wooden stick. Into, well, bliss.
Last year: "We sold about 300 a day and usually sold out," Safran said. This year, they're making 500 a week, "stockpiling," she said. Verde's also setting up outdoor tables for quick pre-melt consumption.
Next time: We'll take time to browse Verde's sunglasses, hats, costume jewelry, tote bags . . .
After, we: Had brain freeze. Didn't mind. Totally worth it.
Price: $5 a pop.