I had first heard of 79 Degree after its popularity exploded all over Facebook. Pictures of rolled ice cream were popping up on everyone’s profiles. Previously, I had heard about rolled ice cream while doing
I had first heard of 79 Degree after its popularity exploded all over Facebook. Pictures of rolled ice cream were popping up on everyone’s profiles. Previously, I had heard about rolled ice cream while doing research of New York City restaurants, and immediately thought how unique and exciting that would be to experience, and how I couldn’t wait to visit The Big Apple. So, imagine my surprise when I found out I didn’t have to fly half-way across the country to enjoy a cup of one of the most aesthetically pleasing treats.
Roll that beautiful ice cream footage
Therefore, I called up one of my best friends, told her where we’re going, and promptly headed over. She ordered the coffee flavored ice cream, her son wanted mint, and I got key lime. While the young lady was preparing our desserts, I curiously watched the entire time. From evenly spreading the ice cream across the frozen surface, to precisely rolling it up into tight little scrolls, I loved the entire process.
Whoever thought of this knew and understood that it’s not necessarily about the ice cream, but about the experience. The delight of trying something new, and the sensory overload your eyes and tastebuds experience when sampling familiar food that is presented in a different texture.
Banh mi and Bubble tea
In addition to rolled ice cream, 79 Degree also serves sandwiches. Here I thought it was just an ice cream shop, but to my pleasant surprise, they also serve banh mi. Banh mi is Vietnamese for “bread”, and if you’ve never had banh mi, it is basically a sandwich, cold cut or hot, with thinly sliced cucumbers, cilantro, pickled carrots, radishes, sliced chilis, and my favorite, siracha!
On my most recent visit, along with ordering their meatball banh mi, I also got two bubble teas and a milk tea. Bubble tea has taken over the mainstream market ever since its emergence in the 1980s. Usually presented in a slushy form, it can also be on ice, or even cold coffee. The “bubbles” are tapioca balls, which don’t necessarily add flavor to your drink, but rather add an enticing texture, making it irresistible to put down, and fun to drink.
As mentioned before, banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich, and this is a Vietnamese restaurant, something else I did not know before my first visit, making this even more of a hidden treasure than I initially expected. And along with bubble teas and banh mi, they also serve smoothies, fried tofu and fruit parfaits.
Plan your visit
Finally, when you make your visit don’t be surprised by their amazing customer service. Understanding many of their patrons are not familiar with Vietnamese food and treats, they ladies that work here are very patient when explaining their menu. Every time I’ve either sat down for lunch, or ordered takeout over the phone, they have been consistent with their kindness.
So, when you’re ready for a light lunch, make your way over to their Floyd Boulevard location, order your choice of banh mi, a bubble tea to wash it down, and some rolled ice cream for dessert. If you want to glance over their menu ahead of time, check out their website (https://79degreesiouxcity.com/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/79.Degree.Restaurant).
712-333-2665
3087 Floyd Blvd
Sioux City, IA 51108