Frost Gelato ~ national chain : Albuquerque, New Mexico

First visit: May 2023 (Albuquerque - Uptown)

In following the same pattern as the day before, we wanted some ice cream for dessert. Let's stop back in ABQ on our way to Santa Fe. It's not too far of a diversion, and it's always good to stretch the legs. Uptown is an outdoor shopping center that is a shrine to 90s styled consumerism. If you can think of a retail chain that became famous during the decade, then it's likely to be here. With a handful of 2000's creeping in. It's quite refreshing from the usual smelly 70s & 80s indoor malls, that are mostly rundown today. And no big box discount stores to ruin the experience. The Sheraton hotel we stayed at is part of this development. Unfortunately there were very few people here on this sunny Memorial Day. No one can afford to go here anymore, so it won't be long before the lavanderia's and cash-now shops appear. I really miss the optimism of the 90s as we are slowly declining into a 3rd world country. There's always hope, but we need strong leadership, of which we are sorely lacking I'm afraid to say. And have been since, well, the 90s.

But enough of that doom and gloom - time to be 8 years old again and have some ice cream! Or in this case, gelato, which we tend to prefer more these days. I had the Espresso Chip and Mrs. RJG had the Butter Pecan. Creamy and delicious. This store had much more of a crowd than anywhere else, so a bright spot for the shopping center. If I see Frost anywhere else, I'll be sure to go. Arizona seems to be their base and I'm there occasionally. 

Speaking of that, Frost currently operates 4 shops in Phoenix and 3 in Tucson, with one each in Austin, Irvine-CA, Richmond-VA, and this ABQ locale. Take away Richmond, and they are truly regional.

6/5/23 (new entry)