ARTISAN – Buzzed Bull Creamery

By Griffin Nelson  |  Photography by John Antaki

The only thing better than fresh ice cream is fresh ice cream that’s been spiked, and that’s what the new Buzzed Bull Creamery in Evans is all about. Sandwiched between Lady A Pavilion in Evans Towne Center Park and the Columbia County Performing Arts Center, it’s the perfect location for serving up delicious desserts.

Each treat is customizable and there are endless variations including options for restricted diets and with or without alcohol — making Buzzed Bull group- and family-friendly. Parents and kids can order the same item, but one can be “buzzed” while the other remains regular.

Yet, even the term “regular” is a bit misleading since their ice cream is some of the best in the area. Made fresh daily, the ice cream base is frozen onsite using liquid nitrogen for a creamy texture and fresh taste every time. At -320 degrees Fahrenheit, liquid nitrogen not only freezes the ice cream incredibly fast, rendering a luxuriously smooth treat, but it also creates a theatrical gastronomic flair for the experience.

The long-anticipated opening in March was a dream come true for the owner, Tracy Frey, who’s been working on bringing the Buzzed Bull concept to her hometown for years. Frey worked in the food and beverage industry for years before settling into a career in insurance, but she’d always imagined owning a business focused on spiked ice cream. Buzzed Bull helped make her dream a reality.

Frey saw the need for a dessert place in Columbia County with both customizable and dairy-free options, so it seemed like a timely opportunity to serve her community. Community emphasis pervades every aspect of her business: Not only do they use Buona Caffe coffee but there is a comprehensive liquor selection from 2nd City Distilling Company. Each Buzzed Bull menu item combines a house liquor (if the treat is buzzed) or a 2nd City Distilling Company liquor can be substituted at no upcharge, providing a way to support two local businesses at the same time.

One of the most popular menu items is Death By Chocolate, whether in ice cream or milkshake form, spiked or not. It features a chocolate ice cream base with chocolate chips, brownie bits and chocolate sauce on top. The house liquor for the decadent combo is 360 Double Chocolate Vodka, and countless variations of toppings and liquor can be changed or substituted to create your dreamy buzzed or non-buzzed dessert.

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SIP – Taste Wine Room

The newest addition to the downtown drink scene is music to the ears of wine lovers. Taste Wine Room is a wine bar and retail space with a stunning modern-meets-industrial vibe. When Mark and Randi Guillory and Justin Reeves started mulling over the idea of bringing something like this to the area, they, like the rest of the world, had no idea that a pandemic would delay the project for a couple of years. That is why the buzz about the March opening was for good reason.

The space alone is worth a visit. It has a stunning wooden bar top and tables, leather chairs, cozy industrial lighting and exposed antique brick walls that reveal a little insight into the creative mind of Randi Guillory. Located at the corner of Broad Street and James Brown Boulevard, it has easy access for grabbing pre-theater drinks or a nightcap to close date night.

When asked how he got into wine, Mark Guillory jokingly responded, “I had a Catholic grandmother.” In other words, the fruit of the vine runs in this man’s blood. His passion and knowledge of wine styles and history are showcased in the curated selection that offers a little something for everyone — red, white or bubbly. The rotation offers the opportunity to try new things with each visit.

There is no need to be a wine expert either. The knowledgeable and friendly staff at Taste Wine Room can make suggestions for those interested in experimenting. Wines by the glass can be purchased by the bottle so if you find something special, purchases are available through the retail side of the business.

Of course, the menu features a bottle list even longer than the tasting one and classic bites for the perfect pairing. Pizza as well as charcuterie and cheese boards are made in-house by wonderful chefs to complement whatever drink you choose.

If you’d like to learn more about wine as a whole, there are seminars on regions and wine varietals. Tastings are offered at least a couple of times each month, and if you’re looking for an evening of entertainment, check the schedule of events for music, live painting and more. Red or white, bubbly or otherwise, Taste is quickly becoming the place to grab a drink with friends, for a special date or to enjoy a moment of respite after work.

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EAT – Roll On In

Good fusion restaurants are a favorite find for many. Fusion restaurants offer a variety of foods that makes eating out of your comfort zone a little more approachable, and they provide creative options for those who are ready to explore something new.

Roll On In is providing a fusion experience for residents in Evans at its convenient location, the same suite as Buzzed Bull Creamery. The two food spots share the same passionate and forward-thinking owner — Tracy Frey — who saw the need for more variety in her community, in addition to something convenient for those who were attending events nearby on the weekends or needing a quick bite during the week.

Imagine sushi on a burrito-sized scale, or a bowl full of sticky rice, meat, veggies, and sauces, or other creative appetizers like the gigantic Sushi Doughnut.

Like its neighbor, Buzzed Bull, Roll On In provides fully customizable options so you can order straight off the menu or create something suited to your taste.

If you’re not sure where to start, a local favorite is the Trio Bowl packed full of sesame chicken, sweet chili steak, shrimp tempura, fried rice, veggies and topped with Yum Yum Sauce and crispy wontons. Or try the Dyno Burrito with spicy tuna and salmon, corn salsa, cucumber, spinach, spicy mayo and sweet soy with crunchy tempura, all wrapped in sticky rice and traditional dried seaweed.

The customizable format and options that cater to meat lovers and vegans alike make Roll On In the ideal spot to hang with friends, take a date or enjoy a family outing. They also provide to-go packaging for those who need to eat on the run — although you’ll miss out on the tasty finish (or start if that’s your thing) to your meal with the frozen treat from Buzzed Bull next door.

Appears in the June/July 2022 issue of Augusta Magazine.