The line was long, but Richmond residents finally got a chance to try and enjoy the new award-winning Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, created by Richmond’s own Rabia Kamara.
People young and old lined up on Brookland Park Boulevard in North Side, which was wrapped around the block last week, to try Ms. Kamara’s creation, Bia’s Black Joy Sundae.
From 4pm to 6pm on October 7th, a constant chorus of “Ahhs,” “Wows,” and “Incredibles” could be heard as people drank the delicious, creamy, nutty mix of salted Dulce de Leche ice cream, vanilla ice cream, Old Bay Caramel swirls, dark chocolate fudge brownie pieces and salty toffee hazelnut blondies.
In early September, 32-year-old Ms. Kamara, now the queen of ice cream, won the nationwide televised Food Network’s Ben & Jerry’s: Clash of the Cones competition for a grand prize of $ 20,000.
Ms. Kamara, owner of Ruby Scoops Ice Cream & Sweets, beat five other contestants from across the nation during the month-long competition filmed and held in Waterbury, Vt., The headquarters of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream.
As a winner, Ms. Kamara also received the tasting event held in front of her store from a Charlottesville-based Ben & Jerry’s franchise. Their winning flavor, owned by Ben & Jerry’s, is only available in Ben & Jerry’s stores.
The crowd of eager people waiting to try their creation was filled with family, friends, neighbors and people from all over the city and the Richmond Metro.
“She is fabulous. She is gifted. We are so proud of her, ”said Ms. Kamara’s father, Lans Kamara, who had traveled from Maryland with Ms. Kamara’s mother for the event.
While watching and hearing people’s reaction to the ice cream, Ms. Kamara told the Free Press, “I hope this event will bring more people to my store. Customers will now know who we are and we will shed more light on Richmond. We are very excited.”