Recently I was blessed enough to experience the amazing flavor concoctions over at Poutine and Cream on Hertel Ave. Long-time fans of the food scene in Buffalo will have no doubt heard of, if not been to Allen Street Poutine. The new store on Hertel is the second store to be open and they have built on the success of the original while taking the new store into a fresh and fun direction. Upon entering customers are greeting with a slightly retro, but welcoming feel with black and white tiling accented by the soft glow of neon signs. Astute fans of Allen street Poutine will recognize a section of the wall is white tiles covered with customers doodles or messages, similar to the first store. In addition to the tile décor, the walls are speckled with professionally styled quotes from real reviews of customers, taken mostly from Facebook. But enough about the decorations, you're here for the food. In addition to the poutine menu, the Hertel location also features hand-made ice cream, shakes, "Freak Shakes", and the creamy bun. The ice cream looked delicious, with a rotating menu of flavors each day brings in something new, they even had a vegan flavor, if you're into that. They also sold traditional chocolate, strawberry and vanilla shakes and for only $5 you get a large shake, served in a mason jar if you choose a "for here" order. The store however is really making a name for itself based on its monster shakes and creamy buns. The Freak Shake is a giant shake that includes heaping toppings and a cupcake on the top. Yes, a cupcake. This is certainly, an Instagram worthy dessert. They offer a Nutella, Cake, Cookie Monster and Chocolate Mouse version, and for only $8 dollars it is a perfect shareable item. The creamy bun is the other signature menu item. They take Famous Doughnuts, located just down main street, warm them up, hollow out the doughnut and stuff it with ice cream. Yeah, it's like a doughnut ice cream sandwich straight out of my diabetes fueled dreams. My girlfriend and I ordered a chocolate shake and a birthday cake creamy bun and were completely satisfied after polishing both off. I highly suggest you take a trip down here, just go to the gym before you do, it’ll make you feel less guilty as you chow down on truly special food.

Atmosphere: 4/5- It was retro and cool but honestly a little dark inside and not much seating

Parking: 5/5- There is a parking lot which is a blessing on Hertel

Price: 4/5- A little expensive but so worth every dollar

Taste: 5/5- One of the best ice cream places in Buffalo, the poutine is amazing too

Originality: 5/5- I foresee many local places trying to imitate what they have going on here