Little Man

A couple of weeks ago, while searching for something else entirely, I stumbled across a reference to Little Man Ice Cream in the lower Highlands area of Denver. Being a fan of health food (there is a lot of calcium for strong bones in ice cream, dontchaknow) I suggested to a friend, who owed me a birthday treat, that we go and check it out. I'll have to confess that the first draw wasn't the fact that Little Man makes their own ice cream from locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. No, it was the shape of the building. I had to go check out a place shaped like a giant milk can. Once we got there I realized I had driven past it on one occasion, not realizing what it was.

We checked it out this past Saturday. It must have been Prom night, unless teenagers these days dress up en masse just for kicks. It also seemed to be a favorite hangout for young couples with cute babies. Chalk up one more point in Little Man's favor: I like places where I can "people watch."

Ice cream, sorbets, and gelatis in cones or cups; malts and shakes, sundaes and floats - and enough intriguing flavors to know, even before we got to the window, we'd have to return. I would not normally think of putting blueberry and cinnamon together, but discovered the flavors complement one another very well. The concord grape sorbet was also delicious, as were the chocolate-orange gelati and the fig sorbet. Apparently they change their flavors often in a devious plot to get you to return frequently. Yeah, good luck with that - I can stay away, you know, I've plenty of will power!

Behind the milk can is a patio additional to the one in front. This one is on a lower level from where the building sits. There are two ways to get to there: by stairs or by slide. There are times when you must allow your inner child permission to come out and play. This was one of those times where my inner child didn't bother to ask for permission, he went straight to the slide without a moment's hesitation. My friend showed remarkable restraint and took the stairs.

Reasonable prices: $2.50 for a single (large) scoop, curiosity piquing flavor combinations, a cool building, people to watch, and a slide. Could it get any better than that? As always, as long as you must eat, it's best to have a friend tag along.