A local restaurant is using a scientific take on the a classic dessert— ice cream. 

Nice N Pan is a restaurant artfully combining chemistry with ice cream to create a nitrogen twist. Customers who order the frozen treat will get a serving of science mixed with the usual delectable qualities of the dessert.  The nitrogen ice cream stations allow customers to watch their dessert being prepared at temperatures of up to minus 321 degrees Fahrenheit.

Manager Ryan Hamann explained that using nitrogen as a method to prepare the treat makes the ice cream smoother and creamier. While the technique itself does not ensure a healthier desert, depending on what toppings and bases customers pick, they can indulge or choose low-fat options.

“It’s delicious, unique, exciting to watch and awesome to eat,” Hamann said.

 

The warm weather is not all gone stop in for some custom ice cream to cool you down. #icecream #nicenpan

A post shared by NiceNPan (@nicenpan) on Oct 17, 2016 at 11:05am PDT

As the ice cream is being prepared, a cloud of smoke will engulf the dessert, creating a magical spectacle for visitors. Every customer’s item is made-to-order. The process starts with visitors choosing one of four bases— custard, gelato, yogurt or sorbet— and one of 10 classic flavors.

Once their flavor is chosen, the nitrogen is mixed in “to partially freeze or thicken the liquid,” according to Hamann. Next, the customers are able to pick two mix-ins from a choice of 24 and more nitrogen is added until the ice cream reaches the correct texture. The scientific dessert is finished with either whipped cream, white chocolate, hot fudge, caramel or strawberry sauce. The sundae costs $4.95.

Nitrogen ice cream is “a new experience you can enjoy with your eyes and your mouth,” Hamann said. He said reactions toward the ice cream are usually a mixture of amazement and excitement, but sometimes customers are shocked at the little things, such as the color-changing spoons.  

Along with its famous nitrogen ice cream, the restaurant has other mouth-watering, made-in-house desserts such as apple cinnamon cake, strawberry Nutella puffs and apple turnovers.

 

We do not just do nitrogen ice cream, Panini’s, and salads. We have fresh baked goods as well made each morning. #Nicenpan #fooji

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For customers without a sweet tooth, Nice N Pan also has a variety of other staples at affordable prices. With breakfast ranging from scones to bagels and lunch options such as gourmet salads, soups and sandwiches, the restaurant has something anybody can enjoy.

Nice N Pan prides itself on making “one-of-a-kind” creations such as its “Eggplant Parmesan” sandwich and the “Hot Dog A La Turka,” which is a sandwich containing a beef dog, Dijon mustard and potato salad.

Nice N Pan is located on South Limestone across from Memorial Hall and will be celebrating its two-year anniversary this month. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed on Sundays. The restaurant accepts Plus Account.