Gentle Reader, in the universe of all possible perfect pairings, be they between damsel and duke or demagogue and pillory, is there any match more delicious than the new release of “Bridgerton” and two new limited-edition “Bridgerton” flavors from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams?
Forsooth, to fete the hit romance’s fourth season, Jeni’s has crafted two sweet treats. One is inspired by Queen Charlotte and the other by afternoon tea.
“Jeni’s was inspired by the fantastical decadence of the Regency Era brought to life in the scenes of Bridgerton,” the company said in a news release. They created flavors that translate the show’s romantic vibe for taste buds. These are “ice creams that would linger long after they were gone, and to which you cannot wait to return (whether you are a “Bridgerton” fan or not).”
The first flavor, Queen Charlotte Sponge Cake, combines the luxurious fluffiness of the queen’s bouffant hair with the silkiness of her gowns. It is available is Jan. 15 in stores and for online ordering.
“A tribute to the fashionable and discerning monarch of the Ton, the flavor channels the elegance of a Victoria sponge with the lushness of Princess Cake, bright berries, soft sponge, and custard notes coming together in a confection worthy of Her Majesty herself, and tinted lavender at her behest,” a news release says.
The second, which lands online Feb. 9 and in Jeni’s shops on Feb. 12, is the Earl Grey Crème Brûlée. “Fragrant Earl Grey is steeped into a silky custard base and finished with burnt-sugar candies that echo the crackle of a freshly torched crème brûlée,” the release says.
The flavors, priced at $12 per pint, are being released a few weeks apart to line up with the show’s schedule. Part of the season is airing Jan. 29 and the second half appears Feb. 26.
A week of freebies
Epic Wings, a San Diego-based wing, chicken strip and breadstick franchise, is opening a new restaurant in Carmel Valley’s The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch shopping center.
To celebrate, the company is rolling out a full week of “epic deals” from Jan. 12 through 16, just at that location.
Monday, shoppers who buy a meal will get one free. Tuesday brings free cinnamon sugar bites. Wednesday is another BOGO deal, this time for Chicken Rice Bowls. Thursday centers on carbs, with buy-one-get-one order of pizza sticks, and Friday becomes Fry-day, with its BOGO “Epic Fries” promotion. These are “Crispy fresh-cut fries with melted cheese and boneless buffalo chicken, finished with chipotle/ranch dressing.”
For those who think the potential of wings and breadsticks is unrealized until they are dipped, Epic Wings offers 13 sauces. Options include garlic parm, sweet chili and five kinds of buffalo.
The deals are available for dining in, take-out and online at the epicwings.com website or its mobile app. Third-party delivery app orders cannot access these deals.
“Our family has been serving these iconic recipes for more than 40 years, and each new location we open feels like an extension of that story,” said the store’s owner and operator, Bianca Sacco, in a news release. “We’re proud to continue growing in our hometown market and excited to bring Epic Wings to Carmel Valley, introducing new guests to the flavors that started it all while continuing to offer more locations and options to our loyal fans who have supported us along the way.”
The company was founded in 1982, before chicken wings were a thing.
“Since chicken wings were unheard of at this time, customers were reluctant to try them, so they would stand outside the restaurant with free samples,” its website says.
Today it has about 30 locations in Southern California.
Store changing hands
A Gelson’s store in North County will become a Ralphs, the company announced. The ownership of Gelson’s other stores remains the same.
“This store has faced ongoing financial challenges for several years, and despite continued efforts to improve performance, it remains unprofitable. After careful consideration, we made the difficult decision to sell the store to Ralph’s,” the company said in a statement. “The sale only involves the La Costa location and Gelson’s will continue normal operations at its Del Mar and Pacific Beach stores in San Diego.”
The high-end grocer plans to open a new store in Los Angeles this year.
“We intentionally sought a buyer willing to retain as many team members as possible rather than pursuing a closure without transition opportunities,” the company added in the statement. “This store has been part of the Carlsbad community for the past 10 years, and we are grateful for the dedication and commitment of the team at the La Costa store. We remain focused on supporting them during the coming weeks.”
One more update from the grocery chain: it recently started selling curated artisanal cheese boxes that are available in-store and through delivery, nationwide.
The boxes come in three varieties: one called California Dreaming, which features “the Golden State’s best cheeses.” An American Artisan box, with “standout cheesemakers from across the U.S.” and the Epicurean box, “highlighting globally inspired cheeses and pairings.” Prices range from $99 to $119, including free overnight shipping to the continental U.S. For same-day shipping, place an order before 8 a.m.
The brains behind the boxes: Lisa Ali, the company’s Cheese and Specialty Foods Expert, and an American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional and Certified Salumiere Professional, which is a rare designation.
“It’s like the bar exam for cheese,” she said in a company bio. “It takes three hours, and there are 150 questions.”
Rich Gilmore, a Gelson’s vice president, said the cheese box launch lets the store reach people outside its walls.
“We can now reach customers well beyond our stores while staying true to what defines us, including expert selection, premium ingredients, and thoughtful presentation all delivered right to doorsteps across the country,” he said.