Mad Jack's is Crazy Cool

Normally, birthday parties outside the home freak me out. But I'm crazy for what Mad Jack's ice cream parlor does with their birthday packages. Let's just say, not only does birthday kid come in the night before to make their Own Special Flavor, but the actual party starts out with about an hour of science, kid-style, that includes plenty of easy-to-clean mess-making, flaming microwaved grapes, "goo" and so much more. You even get sent home with a science experiment. We got: "Mad Jack's Crazy Crystal Experiment" ... complete with instructions and starter crystals. Absolutely fabulous, though definitely something for the 5 & up crowd.



Oh ... and it's not all tricks and education. The owner definitely does this because he loves it. And the ice creams rocks, too. So creamy. So yummy. Everyone was pontificating on its flavor ... even the raspberry & lemon sherbert combo w/marshmallows and sprinkles that Miss Birthday Girl chose. (Have no fear, they have many, many other flavors ready to go ... or order your favorite made for you!) If you haven't tried Mad Jack's yet, do!

And if you REALLY haven't heard of this awesome place, you can read other reviews here:
TacomaMama
Kevin Freitas
The News Tribune's ice cream parlor picks
See Darcy eating ice cream

Oh ... and the lovely, lovely "Mad Jack" made this mom's dreams come true when, as I was about to make a "mama run" in search of coffee for three, he pointed me a couple doors down to the Mercato Italiano, where not only do they make yummy espresso drinks, but they also have an impressive lunch menu, desserts, gelato, grab n' go items at great prices, wine and ... let's just say I grabbed a menu and will be finding an excuse for a date w/ the hubby or some good girl time soon ...

Take a look at the dessert case:




And in case you're not fond of links, and you want to find these folks, here's some addresses:

Mad Jack's Ice Cream Concoctions (they can make gluten-free goodies if you call and query)
2009 Mildred St. W.
Fircrest ... (253) 460-MADJ

Mercato Italiano
2049 Mildred St. W.
Fircrest ... (253) 566-6108
www.mariosmercato.com

They're both just across Mildred Street from Narrows Plaza (movie theater, bowling alley & more) ... so basically, just over the Tacoma city limits ... but close enough. Enjoy!