A Taste of Home

A Taste of Home

While adventuring to an exciting new restaurant, we weren't sure what to expect. After a long day of diving off the coast of Hallandale Beach, we were tired, agitated, and perhaps "hangry" (i.e. hungry and angry). While pulling into the parking lot of Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant, tension rose as the idea of food began to cloud our minds. Once in, we were pleasantly surprised to find the building full of candy, candy, candy, and did I mention candy? In any case, the meals we had were fantastic and the waitress we had impressed us all. She was able to remember all of our specific meals without writing anything down, which many restaurants can't even do. However, when it came to dessert, our eyes were definitely bigger than our appetites. While most students opted for the safe, single-scoop sundae, some students ventured out of their comfort zone and ordered specialty sundaes.While indulging on a specialty sundae, I learned that the chocolate they used was Hershey's syrup. As a Pennsylvanian who lives near Hershey and visits way too much, I felt comfort in eating something so close to home. Sometimes, it's the little things that can make all the difference. Or, sometimes it's watching someone chug melted, warm ice cream. This was extremely disgusting and I wouldn't recommend doing this after being on the open ocean all day, but to each their own.

As a side note, while researching the history of Jaxson's I came across an interesting story written by a local journal. Apparently, Monroe Udell (who unfortunately has passed away in June of 2014) hired and served black people in 1956 when he opened the ice cream parlor. At the time, Broward County was segregated. Although he faced major backlash for it from his community, he persevered and went on to increase the minimum wage to $10.10 in 2015. He now has a street named after him in Dania Beach and an honorary day, January 4th, in Hollywood because of his courageous racial policies.

If you're like Alex, perhaps you're apprehensive about finishing your plate. If you're like our amazing TA Mike, that plate is an easy snack.

The Tropical Ospreys take on Jaxson's!

To learn more about Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant, click here: https://jaxsonsicecream.com/

To learn more about the history of Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant, click here: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-brow100-jaxsons-20150417-story.html