I've been to Sugar Plum numerous times now, and every time I'm blown away by the sheer delightfulness of their ice creams, hard and soft-serve, staples like chocolate and vanilla and the more exotic flavors. And price-wise it's a steal these days.

One thing I don't like about plant-based ice creams is how when it's coconut milk being used it just overwhelms the flavor. I haven't had that experience with Sugar Plum. I know they use a variety of milks, including almond and remarkably oat. I don't recall if they do use coconut. If I've had it, I didn't notice.

F&J's sells silk scarves so I wouldn't call them vegan. None of their marketing material uses the word and it's not run by vegans, either. This is a minor difference for most people but it does point out the difference between trend and ethics.

On that note, her brand new salad bar, Chop't, is softly open on 12th Ave

She had better keep that opening as soft as possible if she doesn't want to face a cease-and-desist order from the real Chop't. I find it hard to imagine they don't hold a trademark in all 50 states and beyond.

The unintended irony of this story is that, in addressing one oversight, it manages to commit exactly the same kind of oversight. I'm reading: We're lucky to live in a the type of "socialist hellhole" that has two vegan ice cream shops, and we should enjoy the hell out of both.

This really does imply that Seattle has only two vegan ice cream shops, which leaves out The Cookie Counter.

Maybe there's yet another operation I'm not aware of, not counting F&J's forthcoming Ballard location.