Nitro Dreams: Customizable Ice Cream

Market-goers did a double take last Sunday at the farmers market. Nestled among booths of fruits and flowers was an ice cream booth.

After the smoke cleared, literally, from the use of an unusual ice cream-making method, Patch found out why this ice cream is so exceptional.

Getting the scoop

Owner Benjamin Fernebok was hard at work last Sunday, making scoop after scoop of his delectable ice cream.

Fernebok launched Nitro Dreams in February, after a four-year stint with a local ice cream chain in the Washington, D.C. area. He got the “scoop,” so to speak, after successfully directing and expanding the wholesale segment of the business, he said.

Looking to expand his experiences, he moved southward. “I discovered the use of liquid nitrogen here in California,” he said. His parents also moved with him and lent a hand in launching Nitro Dreams.

Make your own scoop

Watching Fernebok make ice cream on the spot is akin to witnessing a live food show. He skillfully blends liquid nitrogen with the vanilla or chocolate base. Then he adds strawberries, blueberries or whatever fruit is in season.

For those with sweeter cravings, take your pick from chocolate chips, chopped Oreos, sprinkles or chopped almonds to add to your ice cream. And that’s not all. Top off your ice cream with hot fudge, chocolate, caramel or strawberry sauce.

There are so many appetizing options for the 3.5-ounce customizable scoop, which is priced at $5.

The “nitro expert” shared why he opted to use liquid nitrogen for his ice cream business. “There are no annoying crystals and there’s hardly any air whipped into the cream,” he said.

Heaping scoops

He is also looking at incorporating “bring-home prices” and larger servings of his ice cream, he said. Aside from that, Fernebok also has his sights set on introducing another product to Agoura very soon. “Since it’s open so early in the morning, I think there might be a demand for frappe,” he said.

Fernebok is enamored with the farmers market scene in Agoura. “It’s a very friendly, family-oriented place and the pace is relaxed,” he said. “I thought it would be a good way to learn and get the word out about my new venture before moving on to other markets.”

Starting in May, Nitro Dreams will also be in the Sherman Oaks and Culver City farmers markets.

Moving forward, Fernebok knows exactly where his niche is. “I would like people to think of Nitro Dreams and customizable ice cream for their next social or corporate event,” he said.

The Agoura Farmers Market is open from 9 am to 2 pm every Sunday at 5835 Kanan Rd.