Cookies, ice cream delight for low cost

Ice cream smashed between two warm cookies for $2 is a deal for any college student on a budget making C.R.E.A.M. the new place for a quick treat. The distance isn’t enough to stop Contra Costa College students from satisfying their taste buds.

According to C.R.E.A.M. president Gus Shamieh, the business has four primary principles: premium ingredients, affordability, great customer service and a fun atmosphere.

C.R.E.A.M., an acronym for “cookies rule everything around me,” offers a simple menu of ice cream sandwiches, shakes and malts.

This business should be applauded for the simplicity of its menu, which leads to endless options catering to a wide range of customers.

The ice cream shot offers a selection of gluten-free, vegan and lactose-free options for those on strict diets. With many flavors to choose from, it’s not surprising that individuals take their time to order.

Because of the company’s principle of affordability, any college student on a budget can get his or her hands on these ice cream sandwiches.

For only $2 per sandwich, it’s a steal. As tempting as it is to buy two or even three, one is enough to put the sweet tooth to rest.Ingredients are derived from family recipes and cookies are baked in-store daily.

The cookies, however, still fail to provide a homemade taste.

The flavor seems to lack an extra element that would give someone the feeling of coming home to the smell of baked goods in the oven.

Sadly, they are comparable to those purchased in grocery stores.

The ice cream on the other hand, is satisfying. The texture is rich, creamy and doesn’t taste like that cheap air-pumped ice cream in plastic buckets.

So what happens when the warm cookies and ice cream combine? Pure nostalgia. There’s no other dessert that could bring people back to childhood than an ice cream sandwich.

These C.R.E.A.M. desserts, however, are not the typical Klondike bars.

One could almost forget what the cookies are lacking once the sensation of biting into a warm cookie with a cold creamy center takes effect.

Because Shamieh interacts with everyone who walks into his store, C.R.E.A.M. customer service is well above average.

He knows his regulars on a first name basis. With so many patrons, waiting in line has become a social gathering due to the fun atmosphere.

Many come in to meet with friends or even interact with the employees.

Walking into the store, Shamieh can be found dancing and rapping along to the loud music on the stereo.

The place is small, with only two tables inside, making the store seem as if it were designed to get in and get out.

It takes a few tries to find the right combination, but the most popular option is the double chocolate chip cookie with mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Another great combination is the snickerdoodle cookie with cinnamon caramel ice cream, a favorite of DJ Chuy Gomez, Shamieh said.

C.R.E.A.M. is located at the corner of      Channing Way and Telegraph Avenue, and opens daily at noon. Closing hours vary with the latest at 2 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday.

Be sure to come in early in the afternoon, as the shop’s busiest hours are in the evenings.