Virginia Cebe’s day job is with ScanSource as community relations and communications manager. But her passion (ice cream) is her hobby and her hobby takes up a chunk of time each week as Cebe, (Instagram: icecreamwithvirg), conducts ice cream reviews for a growing group of followers.
So, what’s a day in the life of an ice cream taster-tester like? It’s pretty sweet, actually.
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What got you started?
I started this account about six months ago. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream had released a new flavor earlier this year. Some of my friends said I should take a video reviewing it. So, I did; they loved it, and every time I tried a new flavor of ice cream, I’d do another one (review). One day someone suggested I start an Instagram account, so I did. The response has been incredible.
What’s the response been in terms of followers?
I have right under 800 followers and it’s grown steadily from friends and families to a whole new group of followers I don’t know. I’ll be out grocery shopping or getting my haircut and people will say ‘Hey, my Mom told me about your Instagram account! That’s so cool.’ It’s been a neat way to connect with people and so fun to see how other people get excited about ice cream the way I do.
Favorite flavor (for now, anyway)?
It’s a tie. Clare’s Creamery’s Cookies-n-Cream is chunks of Oreo in white-chocolate-and-Oreo-flavored ice cream. Unreal. And then, Sidewall [Pizza Company] did a cream cheese, birthday-cake-flavored ice cream with chunks of sprinkle-and-yellow cake in it. Unbelievable.
Weirdest flavor?
The weirdest I’ve ever tried was Van Leeuwen’s Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. It was a limited edition about a month ago and I ordered it online. My Dad and I tried it. I didn’t have words — it literally tasted like the packet of cheese at the bottom of the box. He finished the whole pint, so he liked it!
What about when you just want an ice-cream fix. Where do you go, what do you buy?
I go to Harris-Teeter on Augusta Road. If I’m sharing with my Dad, I buy a half-gallon of Mayfield’s Moose Tracks. If I’m by myself, I’ll get a pint of Jeni’s Gooey Butter Cake.
Favorite local spots?
Sidewall Pizza Company (Instagram: sidewallpizza) has been a huge supporter of mine since day one. They make homemade ice cream, they launch new flavors every single weekend and they have some of the best ice cream in Greenville. Another local spot that I love is Clare’s Creamery (Instagram: clarescreamery). They’re locally-owned — two young sisters started it. The quality of their ice cream is just so good.
Other places around town where you’ve tried ice cream?
The first was Reids’ Fine Foods (Instagram: reidsfinefoods) because they have a huge Jeni’s collection. Then there’s Zesto in Atlanta, Georgia. Another fun thing I do is have guests join me — typically family and friends — who have a huge love of ice cream. Like my Dad. He’s been on several times.
A Day in the Life is an occasional series profiling the people in our community doing the ordinary – and extraordinary – jobs that need doing. Whose life should we get to know next? Email suggestions to sherry@communityjournals.com.
